Madame Sousatzka
“I teach not only how to play, but how to live.”
Synopsis
In London, eccentric piano instructor Madame Sousatzka takes on a new prize protégé, Manek, a teenage Bengali immigrant who displays incredible talent. Manek forms a close bond with his teacher, but soon discovers that she expects her pupils to become disciplined in all areas of life, and not just behind the piano. As he struggles to meet the challenges, Manek must also deal with his mother, who vies with his teacher for his attention.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Madame Sousatzka (1988) Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-01-26
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
October 14, 1988
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Schlesinger
- Screenplay & Story
- John Schlesinger, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
- Original Score
- Gerald Gouriet
- Original Title
- Madame Sousatzka
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 2m
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures, Cineplex-Odeon Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Schlesinger
John Schlesinger, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Bernice Rubens
Gerald Gouriet
Nat Crosby
Peter Honess
Robin Dalton
Department Leadership Roster
Gerald Gouriet
Original Music Composer
Peter Honess
Editor
John Schlesinger
Director
Luciana Arrighi
Production Design
Robin Dalton
Producer
Amy Roberts
Costume Design
John Schlesinger
Screenplay
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Screenplay
Nat Crosby
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Madame Sousatzka.
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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Madame Sousatzka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madame Sousatzka
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Madame Sousatzka about?
In London, eccentric piano instructor Madame Sousatzka takes on a new prize protégé, Manek, a teenage Bengali immigrant who displays incredible talent. Manek forms a close bond with his teacher, but soon discovers that she expects her pupils to become disciplined in all areas of life, and not just behind the piano. As he struggles to meet the challenges, Manek must also deal with his mother, who vies with his teacher for his attention.
Who directed Madame Sousatzka?
Madame Sousatzka was directed by John Schlesinger.
Who stars in Madame Sousatzka?
The principal cast of Madame Sousatzka includes Shirley MacLaine, Navin Chowdhry, Shabana Azmi, Peggy Ashcroft, Twiggy.
When was Madame Sousatzka released and how long is it?
Madame Sousatzka was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 2h 2m.
Who composed the musical score for Madame Sousatzka?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Madame Sousatzka was composed by Gerald Gouriet.
Is Madame Sousatzka based on a book or true story?
Madame Sousatzka is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Bernice Rubens".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Madame Sousatzka?
Madame Sousatzka holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).