Madame Sousatzka
Seen it?1988 | 122 min | Drama, Music
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (78% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved TÁR or tick, tick... BOOM!, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
In London, eccentric piano instructor Madame Sousatzka takes on a new prize protégé, Manek, a teenage Bengali immigrant who displays incredible talent. Manek forms a close bond with his teacher, but soon discovers that she expects her pupils to become disciplined in all areas of life, and not just behind the piano. As he struggles to meet the challenges, Manek must also deal with his mother, who vies with his teacher for his attention.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
78% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Won 1 Venice award: Venice Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 1 more Golden Globe, 1 BAFTA and 1 more Venice award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 21K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Schlesinger
- Shirley MacLaineMadame Yuvline Sousatzka
- Navin ChowdhryManek Sen
- Shabana AzmiSushila Sen
- Peggy AshcroftLady Emily
- TwiggyJenny
- Leigh LawsonRonnie Blum
- Geoffrey BayldonMr. Cordle
- Lee MontagueVincent Pick
- Greg EllisTarek
- Robert RiettiLeo Milev