Young @ Heart (2008)

This review is getting bumped.  I originally saw this documentary back in August of 2008.  I watched it again tonight.  Dear readers, if you haven't seen this gem you don't know what you're missing.

These folks have it right.  Sure, maybe, they are old but they have so much joy.  They sing with conviction and passion.  It's beautiful albeit wrinkled.  I still cry at the death of Joe.  Gosh, we should only hope that we have lived our own lives this fully.  These seniors would agree if it's too loud you're too old.

I cried, again, as Fred Knittle sings Coldplay in memory of Joe who died during the filming.  Lenny is the man--bebobbing in his little car.  I love you Lenny!!  Ms. Eileen, the only woman with the keys to the nursing home, keeps everyone on their toes with her no-nonsense attitude.

09.18.08 ~  Young @ Heart is a chorus group of senior citizens that have more gusto and zest for life that you or I have ever thought about. The group, who's average age is 80+, perform contemporary, classic and pop rock hits like you wouldn't believe. What comes across so vividly is their sheer joy at performing. This group has travelled the continents and sang before royalty.

This documentary celebrates life, friendship, aging, and music. It's a true human drama that is joyous, sad, and happy. You can't help but cheer for the likes of Lenny and Eileen (who opens the film with Should I Stay or Should I Go?) as they train like true professionals for their opening night. Congestive heart failure and cancer treatments be damned. These people open their hearts like you wouldn't believe--they live to sing. Happy moments give way to melancoly at the loss of two chorus members but then turns triumphant on opening night.

Culminating at a concert that covers Sonic Youth's Schizophrenia and Coldplay's Fix You, Young @ Heart rocks the house.

This story will touch your heart.  Celebrating the success of a life well spent Young @ Heart is engaging, respectful and joyous.  The film proves rock is for all ages.