The film was a passion project for Robin Wright who tried to get it made in 2004. She was the one who brought on Javier Bardem and Sean Penn in various roles. After funding fell through, Wright abandoned the project. Penn resurrected the film after he and Wright divorced, deciding to take on directing duties, and casting his then girlfriend Charlize Theron in the role Wright had wanted to play.

The young musicians featured are members of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and were filmed in the iconic Cape Town CIty Hall.

Sean Penn had a romantic relationship with Charlize Theron during shooting.

None of the lead actors come from the United States. Charlize Theron is from South Africa; Jean Reno from France , Adele Exarchopolus from France; and Javier Bardem from Spain.

The movie was poorly received at the Cannes Film Festival and got a 12 minute booing from the crowd.