The Marching Band

Not what I expected at all, but I truly enjoyed this heartwarming film. Had me in tears at the end.

There are stories so complex that while I watch them as films, I constantly think about how they should have been adapted for television as programs, and I imagine the development and treatment they might have received in that case. The Marching Band (En Fanfare) is one of them. The premise is interesting: an orchestra conductor is diagnosed with leukemia and must receive a bone marrow transplant. Of course, the chances of compatibility are higher with a relative. But after medical tests, it turns out his sister isn't his sister, as he was adopted as a child. After a search, he discovers he has a brother whom his parents didn't adopt, and they grew up without knowing about each other. He goes to him and asks for a donation, to which the other agrees. Does it seem like I've already ruined the movie for you by telling you everything? Well, no, it turns out that all of this happens—yes, all of this—happens in the first few minutes of the film. That's why I feel it could have worked better as a television show.

And what happens next if everything interesting has already been told? Well, not entirely. Because the most interesting things are the main points of the film: the work drama, the family drama, the emotional struggle of adoption and non-adoption. The Marching Band is a film that, while not wonderful, manages to move you, as the characters are well-developed and the human drama is quite real. While I didn't find it outstanding in any one element, it is even instructive in terms of music.

I enjoyed it, and it could be a good choice for a moment of relaxation and cinematic enjoyment. The ending is very pleasant.

Pure visual muzak, it’s one of those movies that old white ladies are gonna love. Within 10 minutes you can predict everything that’s going to happen, the script really is that formulaic and by the numbers. On top of that it does everything in its power to feel as middle of the road and inoffensive as possible, so as a result it’s never particularly funny or dramatic. Technically it’s passable, but again very bland and devoid of vision. There’s not much more to say about a movie that tries its hardest to not stand out in any way. I recommend to skip this one unless you’re into stuff that’s obnoxiously cheesy and sappy.

3/10