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The Chorus [2004]
from Pathe Distribution
starring Gerard Jugnot, Francois Berleand, Jean-Bapiste Maunier, Jacques Perrin, Kad Merad
directed by Christophe Barratier

Features:

• PAL

Editorial Review:

By getting nominated for Academy Awards in both the Foreign Language Film and Best Song categories, Les Choristes (The Chorus) made a rare (for a European film) double impression at the 2004 Oscars. This sentimental tale follows the arrival of a new teacher at a remote boys school in 1949 France (the war is a largely unspoken but ghostly presence). With disciplinary problems rampant, and the policies of the old-fashioned headmaster not helping, Monsieur Mathieu decides to introduce choral singing as a way to bridge the gap with his students. You don't need a crystal ball to figure out where this will go, although the movie uses its atmospheric location and lush vocal arrangements well. Bald, dumpy Gerard Jugnot provides a refreshingly offbeat hero: he's sort of a younger Philippe Noiret. Director Christophe Barratier works in the winsome-cute mode that makes a certain kind of French movie into an overly sweet bon bon, although at least this bon bon sings. --Robert Horton, Amazon.com

A memorable entry in the genre of inspirational pedagogical films, THE CHORUS is an uplifting tale of a masterful teacher who put his heart into his work and changed the lives of his students forever. With a soundtrack of boys' singing, the lovely music of this film is the glue that will stick to viewers long after watching it. Set in 1940s rural France, at a school for poor boys who are delinquent or orphaned, the story feels timeless in the way that it captures a crucial moment in the lives of the boys involved. Ranging from early elementary school level to junior high, the boys struggle for independence and self-expression. They defy authority, especially when it comes from their brutally unfair and abusive headmaster, Rachin (Francois Berleand). And in general, because they feel neglected by their families, or don't have any family at all, there is something disjointed and sullen about the boys. Only after their teacher, Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot), shows them that he will guide them, befriend them, and teach them by peaking their curiosity, not by insisting or punishing, do they begin to change. The choir he forms, and the songs he teaches the boys, become a source of pride for them, allowing them to rise above the confines of their meagre and stifling school, and dream of a bright future. Director/writer Christophe Barratier has created a moving and beautiful film with more than a few life lessons hidden within. The music, written by Bruno Coulais, features the angelic voice of Jean-Paul Bonnaire, who plays Morhange in the film.

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

• Enthralling
  No guns, no car chase. My teenage lads have shown it to their friends. A group, 13 years of age plus, actually applauded at the end of the film and asked to see it again. It should be shown in schools!

• Adding to the CHORUS!
  What can I say that has not already been said much more elegantly than I ever could? I must add that the soundtrack is wonderful. Let me, then, just add my praise for the CHORUS to the chorus! :):):)

• fantastic
  i first saw this film in school, when studying for gcse frech, and i was immediately captivated by the story it tells.
  The acting is brilliant, especialy that of gerard jugnot, who plays clement mathieu. The singing is amazing, by all the boys, but jean-baptiste maunier particularly stands out during his solos that send shivers down my spine, make my hair stand on end, and bring tears to my eyes. the music can be enjoyed by everyone, as my whole french class loved it and we all bought the dvd, and also... more info

• A gem
  I had heard of this film before, but it was the request of my 12 year old daughter, who had seen the beginning of it in her French class, that prompted me to sit down with her to watch it. The Chorus is indeed a delight, a sweet if somewhat predictable story, beautifully and sensitively portrayed with sufficient humour to prevent it from becoming saccharine and an excellent cast. A gem worth seeing whether one is studying French or not.

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