Former music teacher, turned prefect Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot) arrives at Fond de l' Etang (translation: Bottom of the Well) to discover an abusive headmaster (Francois Berleand) and a boys only boarding school filled with orphans and hoodlums. The headmaster's motto: action=reaction is in direct conflict with Mathieu optimistic nature. Immediate distrust of headmaster earns Mathieu a shaky truce from the group of rag-tag boys. Sensing an opportunity to build up young lives, Mathiew forms a chorus to change the course of the young boys lives and in turn may lose his own.
Les Choristes is a gentle drama that celebrates triumph over adversity. Perhaps it is formulaic, but this French blend of Mr. Holland's Opus and Dead Poet's Society is beautiful. Warming the heart and tearing the eye, Les Choristes is a vibrant, human story.
The production of this French import is reminiscent of an old scrapbook. The Chorus is awash in muted, sepia tones with detailed costuming and weary settings of 1945. It's nicely aged without being intrusive. In retrospect, director Christophe Barratier's makes assumptions during the course of the film to stay on task, but overall his debut is thoughtful and satisfying.
The film would be nothing without the glorious voices of the boys. It's the true highlight. The boys (who according to the film's credits are not actors, but actual choral members) come alive with amazing results. In stark contrast to their surrounds and overall existence, these boys command such power with their voice--it's wonderfully chilling. Young soprano Jean-Baptiste Maunier, with his innocent face and expansive brown eyes is an angel.
Don't let the film's 'foreign' status, keep you from seeing a genuine story. As I see it, Les Choristes revel in exactly what it is: a simple tale of faith and hope.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Les Choristes (2004)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Mr Holland's Opus and DPS? That's a combo. Do you like Dead Poets?
Sam! :P Dead Poets Society... here's the thing. Back in the day, a friend recommended it. At the time, I was disappointed. I've caught it several times since then and have enjoyed it. You should have seen my original review. It took no prisoners... probably offended my friend. I'll have to find it and share.
http://nflpix2004.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=retro&action=display&thread=2296
There's the link to your DPS review. It's nice to know you've wised up since....lol.
Thanks, Jango. I think :P Gosh, I sound so immature--it's embarrassing. Sam, whatever you do--don't poke around that site. You might find something else I would be embarrassed about. Ha! Kill Bill Vol 1 is another. No, really... that's the site helped cultivate my... um... opinions.
Post a Comment