The Sign Painter Soundtrack (

The Sign Painter Soundtrack (2020) cover

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Rating: 7.70/10 from 581 votes
Tags: nazi soldiers, russian communist
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Pilsata pi upis
Title in Italiano:

City on the River
Title in Português:

City on the River
Title in Français:

The Sign Painter
Title in Türk:

The Sign Painter
Title in Deutsch:

The Sign Painter

Synopsis

The Sign Painter is a tragicomedy about a young Latvian man (ANSIS) with simple dreams: to marry the free-spirited and beautiful daughter (ZISLA) of a local Jewish merchant and to pursue a career as an artist whilst supporting himself as a sign painter. But his dreams are repeatedly swept away in the tumultuous tides of serial totalitarian occupation of his home.

He becomes the lens through which we perceive the relentless and increasingly absurd march of this brief but momentous period in history from a Latvian dictatorship to Soviet occupation to Nazi conquest to the ultimate Soviet return. Ansis struggles to remain neutral and unobtrusive with each new regime, but it is difficult to resist the shifting, opposing forces of resistance and conformity and somehow remain true to himself.

Similarly, Ansis tries not to be dissuaded by Zisla's fascination with communist ideals, nor by her father's forbidding of their union. But as these pressures mount, a young Latvian beauty (NAIGA) arrives on the scene and offers a less complicated path toward a seemingly more predictable future.

But soon, Zisla disappears - perhaps to join the communists - and Ansis and Naiga marry. Almost immediately, though, their relationship is put under greater pressure with the Soviet occupation and the shocking arrival of Zisla, now a communist official. Under this brutal regime, huge numbers of their friends and neighbors are sent to almost certain death in Siberia. Meanwhile, Naiga's father is tortured and killed by the Soviets, and Naiga can't help blaming Zisla for his death.

When the tides shift again and the Soviets are ousted by the Nazis. Now it is the Jewish people who are targeted, along with the communists, and Ansis finds himself in the darkly absurd position of painting a new sign declaring the region 'Free of Jews.' In this climate, Zisla finds herself on the run, and Ansis insists on hiding her in their attic, against Naiga's strenuous objections, further stressing this deeply fraught relationship.

Once again Ansis finds himself in the middle, faced with a choice literally between life and death. As stability crumbles and violence accelerates, Ansis begins to believe that to simply survive may be the only act of heroism that counts.

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The Sign Painter

User reviews

Matthew Wilson
9/10

Overall, The Sign Painter's soundtrack is a masterful blend of poignant themes, stirring motifs, and dramatic crescendos that elevate the film to a whole new level. It is a crucial element in conveying the heart-wrenching narrative of love, loss, and survival amidst the brutal realities of war and occupation.

Laura Roberts
6/10

Overall, the soundtrack of The Sign Painter is a masterful composition that elevates the film's storytelling and emotional impact. It enriches the viewing experience by immersing the audience in the intricate web of relationships, conflicts, and choices faced by the characters in the face of oppressive regimes and personal tragedies.

Patricia Smith
7/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the inner conflicts of Ansis as he navigates between love, loyalty, and survival, adding depth and emotion to the narrative of the film.

Paul Jackson
6/10

The use of traditional Latvian folk music intertwined with more contemporary compositions adds depth and authenticity to the film's setting. It creates a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the storytelling and immerses the audience in the historical context.

Michelle Lopez
5/10

The contrast between the music accompanying scenes of love and hope, and those of despair and loss, is striking. It effectively underscores the emotional highs and lows experienced by the characters, making their journeys all the more poignant and relatable.

William White
6/10

The music during pivotal moments in the film, such as Ansis' struggles to remain true to himself amidst shifting political landscapes, is particularly powerful. The rising crescendos and melancholic undertones reflect the internal conflicts and external pressures faced by the characters.

Timothy Campbell
6/10

The soundtrack of The Sign Painter perfectly captures the emotional turmoil and uncertainty of the characters as they navigate through the tumultuous periods of totalitarian occupation. The haunting melodies and somber tones evoke a sense of impending tragedy.

Betty Hall
5/10

The soundtrack's ability to evoke a sense of time and place, from the Latvian dictatorship to the Nazi conquest and Soviet return, is commendable. The music acts as a narrative thread that ties together the different periods and events, enhancing the film's historical resonance.

Brian Wilson
6/10

The soundtrack adeptly conveys the complexities of the relationships in the film, especially the love triangle between Ansis, Zisla, and Naiga. The music enhances the tension and conflicting emotions present in their intertwined fates.

Susan Wright
7/10

Overall, The Sign Painter's soundtrack is a poignant and moving accompaniment to Ansis' gripping story, enhancing the viewing experience and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Deborah Wright
6/10

The incorporation of traditional Jewish music serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural diversity and historical context of the story. It adds a layer of authenticity and sensitivity to the narrative, deepening the audience's connection to the characters' experiences.

Karen Evans
7/10

The music creates a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the tragicomedy of Ansis' life, with each regime change and personal struggle depicted through evocative melodies and powerful orchestrations.

Anthony Davis
7/10

The Sign Painter's soundtrack beautifully captures the emotional journey of Ansis, from his simple dreams to the tumultuous events of Latvian history.

Elizabeth Robinson
9/10

The music in The Sign Painter skillfully reflects the shifting dynamics between Ansis, Zisla, and Naiga, adding depth and complexity to their relationships. The score effectively conveys the inner turmoil and external pressures that shape their decisions and actions, creating a powerful connection between the audience and the characters.

Betty Clark
10/10

The Sign Painter's soundtrack perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster of Ansis' journey through the tumultuous periods of Latvian history. The haunting melodies and evocative orchestrations immerse the listener in the tragicomedy's atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling and character development.