We saw this movie on DVD this weekend and both enjoyed it, despite its overwhelming strangeness. Basic premise: Winnipeg beer baroness during a winter in the Great Depression offers a prize to whatever country (represented by individuals) has the saddest music in the world. From all over the world they come, but really, there are three competitors -- a father (Canada), and his sons who have moved to other countries (U.S. and Serbia).
The tale is told in fits and starts, and some things that would occupy significant chunks in other movies, are covered in 30 seconds here. The past is revealed gradually and cleverly. There is the great irony of celebration for sad music (the competition is set with an audience of beer-guzzling, cheering Canadians, and victory in each round is signified by the winners sliding into a giant vat of beer). And then there is the absurdity associated with the legs -- the beer baroness (Isabella Rossellini) has no legs, the result of an accident and a botched operation; eventually she receives new beer-filled glass legs, which she enjoys to no end.
Definitely worth a look if you're in the mood for something different.
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