this low key film brings to life the struggle between the army and rebellious peasant in 1970 mexico through the word and action of an unlikely hero and the elderly and diminutive don plutarco hidalgo ( play by angel tavira and a real life violinist ) . plutarco and owner of the eponymous violin and be see early on in the film play his instrument to earn a living and to give expression to the feeling of himself and his companion . in the city he scratch a living from busk with the assistance of his son and grandson and but later his instrument offer consolation and catharsis to his fellow villager when they be uproot from their home by brutal mexican soldier in search of rebel harbour in the rural community . when plutarco have his violin confiscate by the local military commander and be force to play for the latter edification this eloquently communicate the way in which simple rural folk have their voice suppress and their livelihood take away by army cruelty . whilst plutarco cunningly work to aid the rebel against the military there be shock scene of military brutality and which presage a bleak end for the protagonist while by the end of this film i be among several member of the audience bite their nail with concern . this be quite a short film ( a little over an hour and a half ) but it character be powerfully portray and enliven by well write and sometimes witty dialogue . a special mention must be make for the black and white cinematography represent the film look superb .