i didnt do an entry on this the last time when i watched this french film for one of my modules, but i really like Les Choristes (The Chorus).

and i sincerely think everyone should watch it.



here's the trailer made in English.

it's a inspiring film made with a wonderful heartwarming storyline and a magnificent soundtrack to boast.

in basic synopsis, the story is about an ex-composer Clement Mathieu (by Gerard Jugnot), who becomes a teacher in a school, "L'Fond de L'Etang" (meaning: Rock Bottom) that has orphans from the world war 2. the children, of different ages, forgotten and abandoned, are tightly held by their collars by their authoritative, abusive headmaster Rachin (by Francois Berleand).



this teacher comes by, gets a nightmare at how the whole school is run and messed up. But instead of leaving, he manages to reach out to the children through music.


He also discovers a talented child Morhange (Jean-Baptiste Maunier), with crystal-clear vocals and having "a face of an angel."



Bottomline, the teacher becomes the turning point for almost every being in the school, even after he was dismissed by the tyrannic headmaster.



i dont even know where to start about the story.

its storyline is simple and probably predictable in a way, that may critics say its a waste. but like every story, it is really about how its been told. its the storyteller that brings life to a story.

especially for the children, they're not the sort that you can shape up from his conversations and tone. it's through their actions, features, facial expressions, body language that you understand their position and perception better. it makes you pay attention to their reactions and subtlest movements to get to know them better.



even the cinematography and shots were rather brilliant, in terms of capturing the right angles, the scenes and the whole orchestra of shots, the music and lighting. the difference is only more obvious after you watch and reflect that there was a transitional change from beginning to end.

admittedly, i teared.

what. it pulls your heartstrings especially at the end. i hate to spoil someone's viewing pleasure so really, i should just try to keep quiet.

another thing, the singing of the kids was splendid. i mean ofcos the WHOLE choir singing isnt the real kids' voices but it's from La Chorale des Petits Enfants De Saint-Marc. but really. crystal-clear, smooth, superb and simply fascinating. sure, it's mostly the fact that these boys have not really broken their voice boxes but seriously, this is one of those times i regret not learning French.



another thing, the boy who acts as Morhange is Jean-Baptiste Maunier, who in real life really does have an excellent voice, and has the boyish looks to pass too:)




sigh sigh too bad this boy is 3 years younger AND i dont know proper french to have a conversation with this boy;)

looks like tim is on safe ground *)

all in all, this show is definitely gonna be added to my future personal collection of movies:)

if youre still interested, do hear a piece done by the choir when they had a concert on these songs here. Maunier does an appearance by sining solo, damn good i tell you - singing and his looks too :)

another thing, here's a short part of the film, only one of the singing segments. Watch it please!
(it's when Clement Mattieu has a performance for the kids in front of The Countess. Morhange is dismissed in the beginning because of his attitude earlier on)

This is the better one, but it's like a condensed version of the last few parts of the show (so it is considerably longer than the earlier two), before you reach the same part. it's in french but do watch it till the end: here.

enjoy! oh and good luck for the week:)

Labels: pictures, reviews

coatedwithcaramel; [20:12]