All the Mornings of the World MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2 1/2

A tribute to music as art, this French film with English subtitles is told as a remembrance by musician Marin Marais (Gerard Depardieu). Set in the 17th century, it contrasts the stark life of his old music teacher, Monsieur de Sainte Colombe (Jean-Pierre Marielle) with that of the young Marin (Guillaume Depardieu). Sainte Colombe composes and practices his music in a rustic cabin, while Marin is a musician in the court of Louis XIV. With the death of his wife, Sainte Colombe pours his grief into his music, to the point of almost neglecting his two young daughters. Hauntingly moving melodies on the viola da gamba (today's cello) float through nearly every scene. Eventually romance develops between Marin and the the now grown daughter of Sainte Colombe, Madeleine (Anne Brochet). The disdain of Sainte Colombe for the young Marin backfires tragically when Madeleine aids Marin in divulging her father's private music. The message is clear that, in the end, the trappings of the world hold little meaning over the pure joy of music. While this is a somber movie, occasionally slow-moving, it is not depressing. The performances, cinematography, and period detail are exquisite.

The film includes several scenes of fondling of breasts, full frontal female nudity twice, full male rear nudity, and a lightly-obscured scene of sexual intercourse. Male urination is shown from the rear and compared to musical notes. Sexually-suggestive dialogue occurs twice, including a reference to pregnancy outside of marriage. The English subtitles are at times poor translations, including two obscene references to male genitals. Subtle undertones of sex outside of marriage occur throughout the movie. Disrespect is shown toward the father when the two young lovers fondle each other while the father discusses his philosophy of music. Mild violence occurs twice, when the father becomes upset and smashes a musical instrument. Several times Sainte Colombe is visited by the apparition of his dead wife, who says that the wind carries his music to the dead. On the positive side, a beautiful church service filled with Sainte Colombe's music is very moving. Nudity and explicit sex mar an otherwise interesting view of 17th-century France and insight into the art of making music.

Preview Reviewer: Alice Anderson
Distributor: October Films, Inc.