PROGRAM NOTE
Life is full of irony. Blue birds are said to stay near you but they are nowhere to be found, and what you believe is often betrayed. For this reason, people always wish to leave for new lands and new chances, and in some cases they actually do so. < Transylvania>, the final installment in Tony Gatlif''s gypsy trilogy which includes < Exiles> and < Swing>, is a story about people who are destined to wander. With the music, cinematography and narrative structure in perfect harmony, the film shows Gatlif''s affection to the nomadic culture he himself actually sprang from. The film focuses on the people who refuse to settle down because of the demands of desire, freedom or survival. The unmanipulated images are stunning, and the gypsy music soars to match the passion, excitement and sorrow of the tale. Superb performances by Asia Argento and Birol nel are unforgettable. The breathtaking score, arranged by Gatlif himself, will charm audiences; the gypsy dance music in the opening sequence capture hearts, as well as play an integral role in the storytelling. < Transylvania> is a must-see film for serious music film lovers. (Lee Ji-seon)