"Fateless"  is an emotional saga that tells the story about a young boy swept up in the Holocaust of WW2. It's a movie that not only shares the horrors of the time, but also the harsh realities of returning back to a "normal" life after the torment of the camps.  This project required a very skilled composer to provide the appropriate musical backdrop to a very difficult story and it's a task that legendary maestro, Ennio Morricone, was able to deliver.

 

The soundtrack is comprised of essentially two themes, both of which are used consistently throughout the score.  The first theme is a somber, melodic motif that features a very European sound.  This is the theme that essentially opens the film (and the soundtrack) and it's a very emotional bit of music to listen to.  It carries forth a haunting and sad melody which I found to be quite moving.  The second theme represents what I deem to be the spirit of the child as it's more hopeful and inspiring with it's uplifting melodies.  The extension of this motif features a female soloist which restates the saddened state of existence.  As you can tell, there is quite a bit of emotion at work with this music and it couldn't have been any other way. 

 

The writing is simply stunning.  Morriconne's music transcends the screen and impacts you right in your heart.  The problem is, the soundtrack often becomes repetitive as the two themes are constantly at the forefront.  There are slight variations to be sure, but, these themes emerge far too often during the running time of the disc for it to stay unique.  This is a very odd circumstance in which a superb bit of music is hampered by its representation on the soundtrack disc. 

 

Critique aside, I do recommend "Fateless" on the merits of its thematic qualities.  Morricone delivers a profound set of themes that will stir you in a way similiar to "Schindler's List", though without the completeness. 

 

Final Score: Morricone's "Fateless" is moving and beautiful.  Though hampered by a repetitive use of themes, the music perseveres to offer the listener an emotional experience.