A Review of Nannerl, Mozart's Sister

The 18th Century was hard on us all. Especially those of us who were teenage girls with supernatural musical prowess.

In Nannerl, Mozart's Sister we learn what it's like to have the most talented composer to ever live as your kid brother. Spoiler alert: it sucks. Maria-Anna, nee Nannerl, is an amazing musical talent of her own but gender and social morays have relegated her to the background of her father's traveling Mozart review. Young Wolfgang is an over tutored automaton, yet he gets credit for Nannerl's compositions and is featured in their performances together.

After meeting the children of King Louis XIV the Mozart clan travels to France for a special performance. A chance encounter with the King's son leaves Nannerl wanting off the family tour bus. In secret she works on the composition of her life in an attempt to win his favor and love. What does the future hold for the oldest Mozart child?

This film was exceptional. It obviously benefited from a large budget, used for lavish period costumes and authentic 18th Century sets. The acting, especially by Nannerl and her brother Wolfgang, were first rate. A period drama that uses music and history to muse about gender and class, NANNERL is easily one of the best films at Cinequest 21.