Following the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven's Final Symphony

Each anecdote builds upon the next to create that rarest of films: a documentary as ineffable and transformative in its reach as it sets out to be.

All the film’s segments are smartly assembled and gracefully paced.

Following the Ninth: In the Footsteps of Beethoven’s Final Symphony is one more bravo for the iconic masterpiece.

The earnest doc offers enough spirit-lifting moments to prove its thesis and leave viewers inspired.

Despite the good intentions, structurally it's all over the place with an excess of montages, archival footage, interviews and information practically drowning out any chance to appreciate the richness of the German composer's beloved achievement.