a filmed version of guiseppe verdi opera . it about a love affair between beautiful violetta valery ( teresa stratas ) and alfredo germont ( placido domingo ) . their love for each other be tear apart by his father but she still love him . it all lead to a tragic end . i saw this in a theatre back in 1982. they try to play it like an opera . when i walk in the screen be cover by a red curtain ( back in those day some of the old theater still have curtain ) . a the light go down the curtain part and the film begin . when the film end and the curtain pull back together and the light come up . my audience applaud even after the light be up . it give the feeling of be at a live opera . that can not be recreate at your home but this film be still well worth see . director franco zeffirelli wisely do not film the opera a it be stag . he open it up this be set up for a film . sequence take place outside and the inside set be way too elaborate for an actual opera . the costume be beautiful and the set be just stun full of color and light . every moment of this picture be fill with beautiful imagery . it match perfectly with the singing and the music which be just incredible . there even a show stop matador dance half way through . i have never see the opera but i have hear this be very faithful and stratas and domingo have beautiful voice and also can act . the only negative here be that domingo be way too old for his role . but that can be forgive whenever he sing . this be actually a sizable hit back in 1982. the same team get together a few year later and film othello . surprisingly that be terrible and be a textbook example of how not to do an opera . but this one be just great and a must see . i give it a 10 .