Accordions Rising is a 2015 documentary directed by Roberta Cantow which explores the history and cultural significance of the accordion. The film features various accordion players from different regions of the world and showcases how they have incorporated the instrument into their music, as well as their personal lives. The opening credits set the tone for the film with sweeping wide shots of the accordion and the players in various scenic locations. The music, which is predominantly accordion-based, is cheerful and uplifting, making for a pleasant start to the movie.
The film starts off by introducing us to Rachelle Garniez, an accordionist and singer-songwriter from New York City. We learn about her musical journey and how the accordion has played a significant role in shaping her sound. The narrative then transitions into the accordion's origins, with emphasis on how it became popular in regions like Europe and South America.
The documentary then moves on to explore various styles of accordion playing, such as Cajun, Italian, and classical. The film features interviews with celebrated accordionists who have created these unique styles, including Guy Klucevsek, Will Holshouser, and Pauline Oliveros. Through these interviews we gain insight into how the accordion has influenced their lives, and how they have, in turn, influenced the instrument.
As the film progresses, we are introduced to accordionists from other parts of the world, including China, where the instrument has been reinvented to suit the country's traditional music. The film also features a section on accordion repair, wherein Frank Petrilli demonstrates how he restores antique instruments to their former glory, a process that requires both skill and patience.
One of the strengths of Accordions Rising is how it showcases the various cultural contexts in which the accordion is played. We see the instrument being played at a family gathering in Mexico, by street performers in New York City, and in a traditional Irish pub. The documentary also shows how the accordion has integrated into popular culture, with clips of musicians using the instrument in popular songs.
Throughout the film, there is a focus on the accordion's reputation as an "uncool" instrument. The documentary addresses this by demonstrating how the instrument has grown in popularity in recent years and how it has been embraced by younger musicians. We see children as young as 6-years-old learning to play the accordion, and how their enthusiasm is helping to keep the instrument alive.
The cinematography in Accordions Rising is impressive, with beautifully shot landscapes and wide angles of the accordion and its players. There is a sense of intimacy throughout the film, as we get to see the passion and dedication of each accordionist.
The film is well-paced, with a perfect balance of interviews, performances, and historical context. The film's music is also a highlight, with a diverse range of tracks that show how the accordion has evolved and transformed over time.
In conclusion, Accordions Rising is a compelling and informative documentary that sheds light on an instrument that has often been overlooked. The film succeeds in demonstrating the accordion's versatility and the significance of the instrument in different cultures around the world. It also serves as a testament to the passion and dedication of accordionists, who have kept this instrument alive and thriving.
Accordions Rising is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.
