Bel Canto 2018

In 1996 Tokyo, businessman Katsumi Hosokawa finds himself enchanted by the world of opera while preparing to leave for an unspecified South American country. He bids farewell to his son, who is absorbed in heavy metal music. Upon arriving, he is confronted with the grim poverty surrounding his limousine, prompting him to remark on the poor prospects of building a factory there. Yet, he makes a vow that if opera singer Roxane Coss performs for him, the factory will indeed be constructed.

Hosokawa’s journey leads him to the opulent mansion of Vice President Ruben Ochoa, where a grand party is in progress, attended by notable figures such as the French ambassador Simon Thibault and Russian delegate Fyodorov. During the celebration, Roxane, on a phone call, expresses her discomfort with being in such a perilous place and insists that her future performances should be in safer locations like the U.S. or Britain.

The atmosphere shifts dramatically when the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of armed men, led by Comandante Benjamin, who demand the release of political prisoners. The President, originally expected to attend, opts to stay home and watch a telenovela instead. Tensions escalate as the Comandante threatens Ochoa until he ensures that the Vice President is unaware of the President’s whereabouts.

A negotiator from the Red Cross, Joachim Messner, steps in to mediate. The Comandante ultimately permits the elderly, women, and priests to leave, despite some attempting to remain behind. The priceless nature of Roxane’s talent becomes apparent as she is ordered to stay behind despite the ensuing chaos. Tragedy strikes when Christopf, her accompanist, is shot after returning for her.

In this dire situation, Hosokawa extends his condolences to Roxane, aided by his translator Gen. Their bond grows, blossoming into romance as they connect over games of chess and shared meals. Amidst the hostage crisis, food is delivered to them, but Roxane’s curiosity about its content leads her to question what meat she is consuming.

The government’s attempts to pressure the soldiers into surrender result in water supply cuts, which raises the stakes dramatically. The Comandante compels Roxane to perform for the soldiers outside to showcase their need for the government to respond, but she is hesitant. Yet, bolstered by her determination, she submits to the demand and delivers an astounding performance. This act relieves the immediate tension as the water supply is restored.

Afterwards, instead of being released, Roxane is gifted with a comfortable room, where Carmen, her guard, seeks to learn English from Gen, leading to their own romantic connection. Meanwhile, the complicated relationship between Hosokawa and Roxane continues to deepen, despite his marital status back home, as he rationalizes his infidelity with the thought that he won’t be returning.

Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, an incentive arises for the Comandante to release the hostages when a threat to his family is revealed and hope for a trip to Sweden is dangled. However, the situation remains fraught. One soldier, Cesar, finds humor in mocking opera, while Ishmael faces mockery from Ruben for his inability to work, until he proves otherwise.

During a formal meal filled with camaraderie, both romantic pairs engage in secretive rendezvous, heightening the emotional stakes. As Roxane trains Cesar in singing, he is struck by embarrassment and climbs a tree in his shame after a failed attempt. Joy fills the atmosphere as the Comandante allows for outdoor fun; a soccer ball is found, and laughter temporarily overcomes the grim reality.

As the situation appears to be edging toward a peaceful resolution, disaster strikes when government forces unleash gunfire, ultimately leading to the tragic fate of familiar characters, including Gen, who sacrifices himself to protect Carmen.

One year later, the stage is set in a grand auditorium where Roxane performs, her captivating presence bringing memories of the past flooding back as she locks eyes with a watching Hosokawa, signaling a bittersweet conclusion to their intertwined fates.