This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Mike Leigh peers into the lives of acerbic, austere librettist Willie Gilbert and pleasure-seeking composer Sir Arthur Sullivan, exemplifying not only their artistic differences, but their very essence as human beings. How extraordinary that such wonderful music and entertainment was born of men who were opposites in every way. Needless to say, music plays a big part and the orchestra is glorious. Winner of two Oscars, the film delivers on all fronts: characterization, story, image, music, emotion and intellect.