They Shot the Piano Player

One of the best Animation films, "They Shot the Piano Player" (Dispararon al pianista) is a kaleidoscopic foray into the world of music, politics, friendship and the search for truth and justice.

Tenório Jr. (Francisco Tenório Júnior) was considered the best Brazilian pianist of his time. Emerging during the height of Bossa Nova when the music had conquered America Tenório was at the forefront of the legendary scene, recording a solo album and collaborating with the likes of Vinicius de Moraes, Toquinho and Milton Nascimento. Performing as a pianist for Vinicius de Moraes' band when the latter toured Argentina in 1976 at the height of the country's dictatorship Tenório disappeared one night, never to be seen again. What transpired on that fateful evening is the core of this appealing and highly watchable toon/documentary on art and the evils of an oppressive regime.

Jeff Goldblum is the voice of American journalist Jeff Harris, the man who took on Tenório's haunting and tragic tale and wrote about it. The film is about his quest in finding the truth on Tenório's fate as he travels Brazil, Argentina and the United States. The interviews conducted with the music's luminaries like Gilberto Gil and Joao Donato in animation is a visual treat adding further to the adult nature and documentary style of the flick. The colorful graphics add to the Latin/tropical reflection and vibrancy of the music. Although slow at parts with its newslike approach the film conveys the power and magic of art in transcending and triumphing above some of the most unforgivable of evils.

A celebration of a sound, a nation and a talent, "They Shot the Piano Player" is a commemoration and a reminder. More animation of this kind should be made and hopefully a film like this would serve as an inspiration for more to follow. For fans of music and Animation this is one that shouldn't be missed.