Les Choristes-a French Film
#1
Original Poster


Joined: Jan 2003
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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.
#6
Joined: Sep 2003
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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.
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.
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#11

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,190
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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.
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.
#13
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Joined: Jan 2003
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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.
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.
#14
Original Poster


Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,742
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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
http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onli...ceneBoudu.html
#15
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
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!
#16
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 600
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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
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




