[Strains] under the weight of biographical information. But it’s still a strong biopic that has something to say about musical creativity and opportunity, as well as the colorful lifestyle of 18th century Venetians.

A visually and musically vivid film that, while it undoubtedly labours under some staid period drama conventions, largely transcends them with its ripely conceived backstage and bedroom intrigue.

Where The Bohemian really shines is its treatment of music and opera scenes. The opera singers appearing in the film – including world-famous countertenor Philippe Jaroussky – imbue the words and music with full dramatic meaning.

A richly detailed biography of eighteenth-century composer Josef Mysliveček...done with elegance, as well as respect and a degree of compassion for its subject.