The Turandot Project (2000)
Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 30
Fresh: 23 | Rotten: 7
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 6.8/10
Critic Reviews: 10
Fresh: 8 | Rotten: 2
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 573
Movie Info
In 1997, orchestra leader Zubin Mehta, long noted for his fondness for unusual and challenging projects, had an idea to stage a new version of Puccini's opera Turandot. While the opera is set in China during the Ming Dynasty, Mehta's desire was to stage a version that relied less on outmoded stereotypes and more on the realities of life in China during that period. Working with Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, Mehta staged an acclaimed new production of Turandot in Italy. A year later, Mehta and
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All Critics (34) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (7) | DVD (2)
Turandot emerges triumphant, but by the time it does, Mr. Zhang looks considerably older.
Presumably there's an interesting yarn buried in the project, but Allan Miller's drab, diffuse documentary never quite locates it.
A fascinating peek not only at the world of opera but also at the discipline, artistry and the pride of the Chinese.
To see this passion playing out, to experience how much this production did mean to China, allows The Turandot Project to attain levels of emotion that complement those of Puccini's classic.
Miller has gone from relatively small-scale subjects into immensity with a delight called The Turandot Project.
Less music than you might prefer, but grand and moving.
East meets West in this less-than-special documentary.
When Miller's documentary succeeds, it succeeds in conveying the minor miracle of pulling off any monstrous stage production: part diplomacy, part warfare, part vision.
Succeeds because of the monumental spectacle of all those people bringing Puccini's masterpiece to an audience.
A sturdy, workmanlike job, evincing a high degree of competence if not a great deal of imagination.
Worthy viewing for anyone concerned about the state of classical arts.
Mainly this is a film about what goes on backstage when you put on an opera, and that in itself was a treat to see.
The most interesting clashes are the cultural ones.
the dedication they [Zubin Mehta and Zhang Yimou] display in putting on such a monumental work is a pleasure to watch.
an engrossing account of a world event where beautiful, glorious music and theater unite us all.
A complex tale smoothly told, and a major treat for music lovers.
A low-cal account of artistic endeavor and sacrifice.
A generally impressive and visually spectacular piece of work, though the format allows for few surprises.
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Foreign Titles
- Turandot Project (DE)
- Turandot Project (UK)


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