They Came to Play

"They Came to Play" is a documentary that follows the journeys of a group of passionate piano enthusiasts as they come together to compete in the Fifth International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs. This film provides an intimate look into the lives of these talented individuals, showcasing their dedication and love for music, and how they balance their passion with their everyday responsibilities. The competition, hosted by The Van Cliburn Foundation, brings together players from all over the world, ranging from self-taught to classically-trained, aged thirty-five to almost eighty, for a week of intense competition, music, and camaraderie. The film culminates in critical performances before a professional jury and discerning audience during three nerve-wracking elimination rounds.

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Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as They Came to Play include Grizzly Man, Senna, The Five Obstructions, Blackfish, Stories We Tell, Maradona, the Golden Kid.

They Came to Play was released in theaters on October 25, 2008.