Hilary und Jackie

Die Lebensgeschichte der englischen Cellistin Jacqueline "Jackie" du Pré, die im Alter von 28 Jahren an Multipler Sklerose erkrankte, ihre Karriere aufgeben musste und 1987 starb. In Anlehnung an einen von ihren Geschwistern Hilary und Piers verfassten "biografischen Roman" versucht sich der aus wechselnden Perspektiven erzählte Film der Psyche der Musikerin fast ausschliesslich über deren Beziehung zu ihrer Schwester zu nähern. Ein hervorragend besetzter und gespielter Film, der allerdings unter Verkürzungen und Umdeutungen der Vorlage leidet.

HILARY AND JACKIE is the touching and incredible true story of Jacqueline and Hilary du Pre, the gifted musical sisters who grew up in England in the 1950's. Written and produced as a tribute to Jackie, the story traces her rapid rise to international fame and the devastating consequences it had on her and those she loved.

Jacqueline du Pre was arguably the greatest prodigy of the 20th Century. She dazzled audiences around the world with the unbridled passion and beauty of her music. While her sister Hilary married and began a family at home, Jackie and her husband, the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, traveled and performed around the world. Although the couple was treated as musical royalty, the constant touring became a tremendous strain on Jackie who longed for the simpler life that her sister built. Arriving at Hilary's home for an unannounced visit, Jackie, lonely and desperate, leaned on her sister expecting and demanding the unthinkable.