Madame Sousatzka (1988)

Madame Sousatzka: Directed by John Schlesinger. With Shirley MacLaine, Peggy Ashcroft, Twiggy, Shabana Azmi. Renowned Russian piano teacher Irina Sousatzka gets a new student – Bengali piano prodigy Manek. They are both immigrants in the UK and bond quickly. When Manek’s single mother’s business fails, he must make a career decision.

“Shirley MacLaineu0026#39;s Golden Globe winning performance was matched by Indiau0026#39;s gorgeous star actress, Shabana Azmiu0026#39;s as Sushila Sen. MacLaineu0026#39;s part is that of a reputably in high demand local piano teacher who takes younger piano prodigies to the brink of their entrance into public performances. Then, the big name men piano professors get a stronghold on them. Madame Sousatzka remains in the shadows as the one who truly molded them into great musical performers.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s interesting that Indiau0026#39;s Shabana Azmi is hardly even mentioned as a best supporting actress though her part was to be the mother of one such piano prodigy who Sousatzka molded. A mother who baked u0026amp; baked to earn the money for her sonu0026#39;s piano lessons.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe plot, director, acting, actors, music, sets, lighting, editing u0026amp; costumes are all very well done. In a world where every other word has to be bleeped because itu0026#39;s cursing, this film is refreshing and suitable to hold the interest of refined adults u0026amp; children, especially ones interested in musical careers.”