User Reviews

It's a sign of a good documentary when it reminds me of how beautiful something is that you never really think much about. I lived in Polish neighborhood for a few years so I was exposed to this kind of music but not on a day to day basis. As culture evolves, there are inevitably going to be "endangered" art forms so it's great to see an entire documentary dedicated to capturing its history and showing the range of music, in a whole new light.

Neatly accomplishes everything a documentary is supposed to accomplish. Takes a subject that some might think of as obscure and presents it in such a way that the viewer understands what makes it so special. Too often dismissed as an outdated novelty, Accordions Rising reveals the truth that the accordion is a unique and fascinating instrument with a rich history. The passion and excitement it brings out in the wide variety of people who have devoted a lifetime to mastering it is a wonder to behold. Filled with absorbing interviews and evocative clips you will never think of accordions in quite the same way again.

What an effort filmmaker Roberta Cantow has made to find all those people, gather all that material, and pull it together in a story about the great tradition of accordion music. Baltic, Cajun, Mexican. Rural, urban. In bars and cemeteries and public parks. So much wonderful music, demonstrating the wide range of musical styles, nationalities, and possibilities. Not to mention the beauty of the instrument itself in all its permutations. I especially enjoyed the impressionistic sections in which Cantow offers a variety of nature images as a background for the music. Those may be the sections that resonate most for me, where I felt so very moved by the beauty of the languid details.

A wonderful documentary, exploring the beauty of the accordion. Fantastic music, great interviews with charming musicians. This film will have you wishing you could jam along with the likable talented people on screen.

Roberta Cantow, in Accordions Rising, does for accordions what Herman Melville did for whales. In Moby Dick, Melville tells us why whales are supreme amongst all creatures. Likewise, Cantow deftly, beautifully, and compellingly proves that accordions are supreme among all musical instruments. Accordions Rising is fascinating, superbly crafted, erudite, and highly entertaining. The culture of accordions is vast. Although Accordions Rising is a perfect introduction to that unique culture, this reviewer hope that Cantow will give us at least one sequel. Even without sequels, Accordions Rising gives the curious viewer the keys to further exploration.

Hours after watching the terrific "Accordions Rising," I find myself with a heightened awareness and a reconsideration of everyday things -- always-present things I've paradoxically neglected in life. What's the creation story behind the manicure scissors in my medicine cabinet? The food anthropology of the Xanthan Gum powder in my pantry that thickens sauces? Such is the impact "Accordions Rising" has beyond the musical instrument it champions -- it encourages a wider rethink and a reinvigoration of interest in all things ignored or maligned.

But here, accordionists themselves debunk my ignorance by providing their impassioned and charming oral histories of their own journeys leading them to a unique instrument; an instrument passively marginalized in society as something too quirky to be shown due respect or interest. These engrossing human interest stories and the sincerity and enthusiasm with which they're told are interwoven with loads of music, which is now heard anew with freshly educated and reconditioned ears. We're listening now, not just passively hearing and selectively ignoring.

"Accordions Rising" is a wonderfully conceived and executed film which by transcending its highly engaging subject matter reminds us that we simply need to pay better attention -- period -- and afford things a preemptive curiosity and respect beyond what our knee-jerk inclinations may assume. Heavily recommended.

Hours after watching the terrific "Accordions Rising," I find myself with a heightened awareness and a reconsideration of everyday things -- always-present things I've paradoxically neglected in life. What's the creation story behind the manicure scissors in my medicine cabinet? The food anthropology of the Xanthan Gum powder in my pantry that thickens sauces? Such is the impact "Accordions Rising" has beyond the musical instrument it champions -- it encourages a wider rethink and a reinvigoration of interest in all things ignored or maligned.

I shamefully had accordion players pegged as curiously happy-looking, older white men unduly obsessed with polka numbers. But here, accordionists themselves debunk my ignorance by providing their impassioned and charming oral histories of their own journeys leading them to a unique instrument passively marginalized in society as something too quirky to be shown due respect or interest. These engrossing human interest stories and the sincerity and enthusiasm with which they're told are interwoven with loads of music now heard anew with freshly educated and reconditioned ears. We're listening now, not just passively hearing and selectively ignoring.

"Accordions Rising" is a wonderfully conceived and executed film which by transcending its highly engaging subject matter reminds us that we simply need to pay better attention -- period -- and afford things a preemptive curiosity and respect beyond what our knee-jerk inclinations assume. Heavily recommended.

was thrilled to learn of this wonderful little documentary. As a big fan of 1930s and 40s classic jazz, Gypsy Jazz and Tango I really appreciate the accordion. And I remember in the 50s and 60s how the accordion got stereo typed by Polka music. Our European friend always kept it going. This film does a wonderful job of presenting the history, musical variety and love for this instrument.