As somebody who has not seen very many foreign films, I was a little hesitant when approaching Christophe Barratier’s Les Choristes (The Chorus). However, the second I was transported back to 1945 to the Fond de L’Etang orphanage for ‘difficult boys,’ I completely forgot I was watching a foreign film altogether.
Barratier creates such a captivating and magical world that the viewer is totally engulfed within it. The film is told in the past tense as the now-adult and successful conductor Pierre Morhange reads the diary of Clement Mathieu, his former supervisor and music teacher.
Mathieu, a failed composer, is initially shocked at the behavior (but mainly the treatment) of the boys in the orphanage and is determined to inspire them through music. As he slowly starts to gain the boys’ respect, he faces opposition from staff — particularly the brutal and traditional director of the orphanage, Rachin.
Almost the entire film takes place within the walls of the orphanage, but the viewer is entirely captivated by the superb acting of all the characters, especially Gerard Jugnot (Clement Mathieu) and Jean-Baptise Maunier (young Pierre Morhange) who Mathieu is warned is a very troubled child despite having the ‘face of an angel.’ The relationship between these two characters is the heart of the film, as Mathieu recognizes the incredible musical talent Morhange possesses and acts as a mentor to help him fulfill his potential. As the film progresses, Mathieu’s newly formed choir grows in strength and the boys become happier as a result. During this time, the film provides some of its lighter moments.
The tone of the film, while tackling some tough subject matter at times, is as comedic as it is brutal. The choir provides a wonderful score to the film, moving it along at a nice pace and always keeping the viewer entertained and captivated. Children are at the center of everything about this film, and their performances are a triumph.
The Chorus is a beautiful film that captures the imagination of the viewer. It is at times sad, even violent, but it always conveys to the viewer an incredible feeling of hope.
Les Choristes (The Choir) Official Trailer
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372824/combined
One can only benefit from watching foreign films as the experiences of discovering them, seeing unique directorial approaches, societies, values – is very rewarding.
Of course, not all films are as exceptional as Les Choristes, which I consider to be one of the “Must See” Coming-of-Age flicks. Furthermore, as someone who is extremely fond of treble music, the film has yet another layer of attractiveness to me.
There are very few flaws in this film, if any, and I agree with your comments about the exceptional performance of the entire cast. All characters were well developed and one remembers them for a long time after the final credits have rolled (who can forget Pepinot?)
The film is quite inspirational as well. I have seen several similarly themed films produced in the US – of a mentor and a team (mostly sport oriented), but can safely say that Christophe Barratier has perfected the genre. Like Peter and yourself, I am still listening to the soundtrack and own the concert DVD of the choir that was formed for the films.
I join your recommendation and urge anyone who is yet to see this masterpiece to do it as soon as possible.
This movie is my all-time favorites. I’m still listening their soundtrack.
Nice movie, nice music.