Les Choristes-a French Film
 

the Chorus played tonight, we shovelled our way out to catch the preview. It was wonderful. My husband sings in the Concord Chorus so he was happy I dragged him to it. Jacques Perrin who stars and directed this film was one of my crushes back in the 60's.

Has anyone seen this film?

no, but our french friends gave my husband a cd with the soundtrack--wonderful. we hope against hope that the film will run here.

Hey, lovely lady, it's so good to see you back! I hope you are on a complete mend.

I just watched Ebert and Roeper and R loved it, but E thought it was too formulaic. I can't wait to see it--sounds like my cup of tea.

I liked it. I liked it very much. Ebert makes valid observations, mainly about the basic storyline having been covered numerous times - sometimes with better-written screenplays - and the predictability of the script.

Still, the film is very well acted -- no gaffs in that department at all. The cinematography is another strong point. The mood, feel, look, location, camera work all flawlessly capture that one place of rural France near Lyon (or so I imagine) post WWII.

Then there's the music! Call me sap, but I find it delightful -- I keep listening to the soundtrack over and over.

Overall, Les Choristes is a well-made, very well-acted film with an emphasis on beautiful music. I'm afraid it is not worthy of an Oscar, as it has been nominated, but I definitely recommend viewing it nonetheless.

Seeing it on a big screen was wonderful, but don't hesitate to pick up the DVD when it becomes available soon.

LVSUE, it has an old fashioned charm, something wedon't see much of these days. The actor who plays the music teacher is excellant. I'm happy it's nominated in France for best picture.

Okay, so the pages of the calendar moves more slowly here in the heartland? Is this in your hometown now? It is here (at the Baxter, in Louisville); I think we'll go see it tonight.

Best wishes,

Rex

I hope you like it. It may still be playing in a burb here. We saw it months ago.
best wishwes, mimi :)

I hope you like it. It may still be playing in a burb here. We saw it months ago.

I saw the film last fall in Paris when it came out and liked it. It is a remake of a film called La Cage aux Rossignols. The original was made in 1945 and my mother-in-law told me that it was the first film she remembers seeing after the war when she would have been 13. When it came out in Paris last fall it was a huge "nostalgia hit" for that post war generation and there was lots of press around that fact; that the film represents France's need to be nostalgic about that post war era. I also think it stills holds the current box office record for people in France who have seen the film.

As an aside, as I am sure as those of you who saw the film and remember Beyonce singing the song from it that was nominated, she really massacred it especially the French! We were watching with French friends and we all got the impression that she had been asked at the last minute to perform it. It was a real shame because the song called Look To Your Path (Vois Sur Ton Chemin)is really lovely, but as much as I like Beyonce, it is just not right for her :)

Anyway, it is definitely worth seeing if you get a chance at the theater or when it comes out on DVD. There is also 2 other films worth watching for IMHO. One is A very Long Engagement with Audrey Tatou and the other is called Look at Me, which is just coming out here in LA.

Hi-sorry I meant to type thos of you who watched Beyonce sing the song at the Oscars........

ipie, that was rediculous for Beyance to perform that song(and I'm not a fan, by the way)
As your mom if she remembers an old film, Boudu saved from drowning with Michael Simon, they have remade it with Gerard Depardieu and Our "Choir" master.
I think a good choice for a remake that I usually do not approve.

Here's a good critique for film buffs of this film. The American remake with Beth Midler turned them into noveau riche.

http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onli...ceneBoudu.html

I'm so happy to see people talking about this movie. I saw it and loved it, but haven't been able to find anyone else who has seen it. I loved the music and thought that boy had a beautiful voice. Don't even get me started on Beyonce singing the song at the Oscars!

Hi Mimi et al,

DH and I saw it and loved it--it may be a bit formulaic but so is life--it was beautiful and touching and we highly recommend. I hope I never get too tough to enjoy a movie that tugs at the heartstrings.

Cheers,
Robyn France