Hours after watching the terrific "Accordions Rising," I find myself with a heightened awareness and a reconsideration of everyday things -- always-present things I've paradoxically neglected in life. What's the creation story behind the manicure scissors in my medicine cabinet? The food anthropology of the Xanthan Gum powder in my pantry that thickens sauces? Such is the impact "Accordions Rising" has beyond the musical instrument it champions -- it encourages a wider rethink and a reinvigoration of interest in all things ignored or maligned.
But here, accordionists themselves debunk my ignorance by providing their impassioned and charming oral histories of their own journeys leading them to a unique instrument; an instrument passively marginalized in society as something too quirky to be shown due respect or interest. These engrossing human interest stories and the sincerity and enthusiasm with which they're told are interwoven with loads of music, which is now heard anew with freshly educated and reconditioned ears. We're listening now, not just passively hearing and selectively ignoring.
"Accordions Rising" is a wonderfully conceived and executed film which by transcending its highly engaging subject matter reminds us that we simply need to pay better attention -- period -- and afford things a preemptive curiosity and respect beyond what our knee-jerk inclinations may assume. Heavily recommended.