Trip to Asia: The Quest for Harmony

Trip to Asia: The Quest for Harmony

2008 · 108 min · ★ 8.5 · Documentary

Journey with the musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic and their conductor Sir Simon Rattle on a breakneck concert tour of six metropolises across Asia: Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo. Their artistic triumph onstage belies a dynamic and dramatic life backstage. The orchestra is a closed society that observes its own laws and traditions, and in the words of one of its musicians is, “an island, a democratic microcosm – almost without precedent in the music world - whose social structure and cohesion is not only founded on a common love for music but also informed by competition, compulsion and the pressure to perform to a high pitch of excellence... .” Never before has the Berlin Philharmonic allowed such intimate and exclusive access into its private world.

Directed by Thomas Grube · Written by Thomas Grube

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Rent or Buy

Amazon Video

Cast

Make it a double feature

2h 42m together

Trip to Asia: The Quest for Harmony

The Fly Agaric

Both from Thomas Grube.

More from Thomas GrubeSee all →

Rhythm is it!Rhythm is it! · 2004
Rhythm is it!
★ 7.32004
MovieDocumentary
RHYTHM IS IT! records the first big educational project of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra ventured out of the ivory tower of high culture into boroughs of low life for the sake of 250 youngsters. They had been strangers to classical music, but after arduous but thrilling preparation they danced to Stravinsky's 'Le Sacre du Printemps' ('The Rite of Spring'). Recorded with a breathtaking fidelity of sound, this film from Thomas Grube and Enrique Sánchez Lansch documents the stages of the Sacre project and offers deep insights into the rehearsals of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Fly AgaricThe Fly Agaric · 2026
The Fly Agaric
★ 7.02026
MovieDocumentary
With its recognisable bright red cap with white spots, the fly agaric (amanita muscaria) seems like the archetype of the fairy tale toadstool. But it is also toxic to humans and can lead to hallucinations and psychotic reactions if ingested. A source of fascination and fear, how dangerous is this mushroom? And could it be beneficial to humankind?
Hey StrangerHey Stranger · 1994
Hey Stranger
★ 6.51994
MovieMysteryRomance
An actor and poet falls in love with a former mortuary photographer turned waitress. They find themselves caught up way over their heads in a dirty political and financial affair, an art smuggling case that touches them merely for the fact that it may separate them, be it through death or exile.
Frühstück?Frühstück? · 2002
Frühstück?
★ 5.12002
MovieDrama
Boris is smitten with Til. But when they are about to kiss for the first time an inter-loper joins them. Much to Boris' dismay and Til's delight. Will jealousy ruin everything?
The Sound of My LifeThe Sound of My Life · 2014
The Sound of My Life
2014
MovieDocumentaryMusic
“The Sound of My Life” follows virtuoso organist Cameron Carpenter on his journey to realize a dream ten years in the making building his own “International Touring Organ” and presenting it to the world.

More Like This

Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&MMetallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M · 1999
Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M
★ 8.71999
MovieMusicDocumentary
Michael Kamen conducts the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in support of metal rockers Metallica in this 1999 concert performance.
Manufactured LandscapesManufactured Landscapes · 2006
Manufactured Landscapes
★ 7.22006
MovieDocumentary
MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES is the striking new documentary on the world and work of renowned artist Edward Burtynsky. Internationally acclaimed for his large-scale photographs of “manufactured landscapes”—quarries, recycling yards, factories, mines and dams—Burtynsky creates stunningly beautiful art from civilization’s materials and debris.
Rammstein - Live aus BerlinRammstein - Live aus Berlin · 1999
Rammstein - Live aus Berlin
★ 8.91999
MovieMusicDocumentary
The Rammstein - Live aus Berlin DVD is a compilation of two live concerts filmed at Berlin's open-air Parkbühne ("park stage") Wuhlheide in August 1998. The DVD offers 17 of the band's songs, most of which are found on the two CD albums "Sehnsucht" and "Herzeleid." The show itself is a very entertaining performance with plenty of the usual stunts, pyrotechnics, and lighting effects you'd expect from an industrial metal band.
Pink Floyd: Live at PompeiiPink Floyd: Live at Pompeii · 1972
Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii
★ 8.11972
MovieMusicDocumentary
British progressive rock band Pink Floyd perform at the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy in 1971. Although the band perform a typical live set from the era, there is no audience beyond the basic film crew.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter