The Legend of 1900 (5 Stars)

Films can usually be slotted into neat genres. There are horror films, sci-fi films, thrillers, romance films, action films, political films, road movies, comedies, biopics, etc. One or two words sum up a film and you know what it's about before you watch it. Each of these genres have their own rules. Of course, there can be crossovers. I personally have a weakness for horror comedies and sci-fi comedies. But how often do you discover a film that is truly original? How often do you come across a film that is so unique that it doesn't fit into any two-word description? "The Legend of 1900" is a truly unique story.

The film is an Italian production, though made in English. It's a film of epic proportions, running to almost three hours and covering a timeframe of 50 years, though the main events happen between 1927 and 1933. The film stars Tim Roth as 1900 (yes, 1900 is his name) in the best performance of his career.

The film takes place on a cruise ship called the Virginian, which has its primary route between Southampton and New York, though it's mentioned that it sometimes visits other east coast cities and even South America. In January 1900 a baby boy is found abandoned when the passengers leave the ship. A coalman on the ship adopts him and gives him the name Danny Boodman T. D. Lemon 1900, shortened to 1900. The boy grows up on the ship, and he never sets foot on dry land, not once in his life. He becomes a prodigious piano player and gains such fame that some people travel on the ship just to hear him play.

During the Second World War the Virginian is used as a hospital ship for the Royal Navy. 1900 continues to play for the wounded and dying. Shortly after the war it's decided to destroy the ship by blowing it up at sea. 1900's best friend, trumpet player Max Tooney, is convinced that 1900 is hiding on the ship waiting to die with it.

I admit that this isn't a film for everyone. It rambles on for three hours and very little actually happens, as far as action or romance is concerned. It's the story of 1900, who we grow to know and love in the course of the film. He's painted before our eyes so vividly that by the time the film nears its end we feel we've made a new friend. If you want to see a film that's truly different, this is something for you.

Unfortunately, in America only a shortened version of the film is available. 40 minutes have been cut out, but it's still a great film. The full version is only available as an Italian import. Click here to view the trailer.