French producer and musician Christophe Barratier makes his directorial debut with the drama Les Choristes, inspired by the 1947 film La Cage aux Rossignols. Wildly successful orchestra conductor Pierre Morhange (Jacques Perrin) returns home when his mother dies. He recollects his childhood inspirations through the pages of a diary kept by his old music teacher Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot). Back in the late '40s, little Pierre (Jean-Baptiste Maunier) is the badly behaved son of single mother Violette (Marie Bunel). He attends a dreary boarding school presided over by strict headmaster Rachin (François Berléand). New teacher Mathieu brightens up the place and organizes a choir, leading to the discovery of Pierre's musical talents. Featuring performances by Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc Choir. Les Choristes was shown at the Berlin Film Festival in 2004. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
Foreign films have a different flavor than American ones, usually the palate is pleased with the nuances.
Chorus is wonderful, simply wonderful. It has an interesting story along with beautiful vocals, a must for any music lover. Sit back and enjoy!
This is a movie that my husband had added to our queue based on a recommendation from previous rentals so I had no idea what it was about or what to expect. I thought the acting was superb, particularly given the predominance of children in the cast, and the story was compelling and lovely, providing both laughter and tears - a combination I thoroughly enjoy in a movie! The nice thing was that it appealed to both my husband & myself, often a tough combination! Don't be put off by the subtitles...this is a definite one to rent.
I am a music lover, so this might appeal more to me than some, although I can't imagine anyone not appreciating it. The story itself has value. The lesson that working with people instead of against them results in greater achievement I think is an important element. There were disturbing aspects, but a happy ending. It was uplifting.
The story of a music teacher who in 1948 is working at a boys' boarding school for delinquents & orphans. This is a beautiful film in every way. He brings music to these children's life and some element of happiness and pride and maybe even some hope. Yes, it's been done before; but? please do give this a chance as it's not been done quite like this and the boys chorus is simply beautiful to listen to. Highly recommended.
This is a cute film that is very enjoyable to watch. Given that the main subjects are adolescent boys in a reform school, there is some crude dialog and given the crudeness, I withhold the 5th star. It's still a great flick though.
If you like inspirational "good teacher films" like Good Will Hunting, Mona Lisa Smile and Stand and Deliver, you will love this movie. The best part, in my opinion, is the beautiful boys-choir music and impressive acting by the young, male French youth -- some, apparently, not more than 5 or 6 years old. The only reason I wouldn 't give it a 5: some odd, unbelievable moments -- such as the boys' hands (only) waving goodbye to a teacher from a high window. But, overall, it's an outstanding, near-perfect, f ilm.
Foreign films have a different flavor than American ones, usually the palate is pleased with the nuances.
Chorus is wonderful, simply wonderful. It has an interesting story along with beautiful vocals, a must for any music lover. Sit back and enjoy!
This is a movie that my husband had added to our queue based on a recommendation from previous rentals so I had no idea what it was about or what to expect. I thought the acting was superb, particularly given the predominance of children in the cast, and the story was compelling and lovely, providing both laughter and tears - a combination I thoroughly enjoy in a movie! The nice thing was that it appealed to both my husband & myself, often a tough combination! Don't be put off by the subtitles...this is a definite one to rent.
I am a music lover, so this might appeal more to me than some, although I can't imagine anyone not appreciating it. The story itself has value. The lesson that working with people instead of against them results in greater achievement I think is an important element. There were disturbing aspects, but a happy ending. It was uplifting.