Vitus (Sony Classics)
Starring Teo Gheorghiu, Julika Jenkins, Urs Jucker, Bruno Ganz
Written and directed by Fredi M. Murer (Vollmond, Zones) with Peter Luisi
Genre: Drama, Foreign, Music
Rated PG
Tagline: "The story of a highly gifted boy."
Plot Summary: Vitus (Teo Gheorghiu) is a young piano-playing protege and a child genius who is much younger than the rest of his classmates. His parents are so caught up in their own things, that the boy wonders if they'll still love him if he were to be normal, something he's able to learn after an accident takes his genius and talent away from him.

As is the case with many of the movies that earn the honor of "Chosen One," this was a complete surprise that I discovered when it played as part of this year's Tribeca Film Festival. Despite having seen the movie twice already, it's somewhat hard to believe, but this Swiss import is currently residing as my favorite movie of the year so far. Yes, that's above Hot Fuzz and The Host and Once and Knocked Up, each of which I've seen numerous times and would see again in a second. It's that wonderful a film.

I'm not sure what it is about the movie that's made me such a fan, whether it's the touching story of a young boy trying to fit in despite his amazing talents or how he affects those around him or how filmmaker Fredi Murer mixes gorgeous classic music into the film, but it's a movie that works in many ways that you wouldn't expect. It's a lot of fun to see how the main character Vitus uses his genius to help his grandfather and parents and to try to win over the woman he loves (his older babysitter), and it makes this movie one of those heartwarming crowd-pleasing films that you can't help but cherish. Then on top of that, you have a really different role for Bruno Ganz, best known here for playing Adolf Hitler in Oliver Hirschbiegel's Downfall, giving a wonderful and surprisingly light-hearted performance as Vitus' beloved grandfather without batting an eyelash. There are so many amusing twists and turns to Vitus' story, especially after the story jumps forward seven years, and while I'm hesitant to give them away, seeing how this story unfolds in such a clever and funny way makes it easier to understand what makes the film so special. Surprisingly, first-time actor and real piano prodigy Teo Gheorgiu is able to hold things together with one of the best breakthrough performances of the year that's only matched by young Jacob Kogan, who stars in next week's "Chosen One," Joshua. If you're into simultaneously clever, funny and touching coming-of-age films like Lucas, Stand by Me or even something like The Goonies, then you might want to give Vitus a look when it opens in New York and L.A. on Friday. (I'm hoping to transcribe and run my interview with Murer and Gheorgiu later this week.)