Amadeus
Trials and triumphs of Mozart's life are counterbalanced with acts of jealousy committed by his mediocre contemporary Antonio Salieri.
The lesser composer, who as a child prayed for musical genius, is put to the test when Mozart arrives with his own brilliant gifts. Convinced of God's betrayal, Salieri becomes obsessed with plans to destroy Mozart by any means necessary.
I should add a disclaimer: if you have a problem with classical music, then this is not for you. The restored version runs three hours and the works of Mozart fill each and every one.
Director Milos Forman re-negotiated the terms of his political exile in order to film on-location in his native Prague. We should be glad he took the trouble--the outside photography in Amadeus is beautiful.
Music is an important component here, yet it only takes this film so far. It's really propelled by the interplay between actors F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce (Oscar nods for both).