Bel Canto

Bel Canto is a 2018 American drama film directed by Paul Weitz and starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe. The film is based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ann Patchett, which tells the story of a hostage crisis in a South American country.  

The film follows Roxane Coss (Julianne Moore), a famous American opera singer who is invited to perform at a private party in an unnamed South American country. During the performance, a group of armed rebels storms the party, taking the guests hostage. The rebels are led by a charismatic young general named Comandante Benjamin (Tenoch Huerta), who demands the release of political prisoners in exchange for the hostages.

As the hostage crisis drags on, Roxane begins to form a bond with Comandante Benjamin, using her love of music to bridge the divide between them. Meanwhile, the hostages form their own community within the mansion where they are being held, with friendships and relationships forming among the diverse group of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The film explores themes of human connection and the power of music to bring people together. It also delves into the political and social issues that underlie the hostage crisis, including the tensions between the wealthy elite and the disenfranchised rebels.