This is one of those rare movies where the cast, the cinematography, sound track and locale fit so perfectly together, it almost felt as if I was physically transported back to those post-war years in France (which was the setting for the film). Films that portray student-teacher relationships form quite a popular sub-genre and Mr Holland's Opus, Dead Poets' Society and Music Of My Heart remain to be some of favorites 'til this day. I'm glad to say that Les Choristes has just been to my list of all time faves ;)
Although a direct remake of another French show (La cage aux Rossignols), there is something very fresh Les Choristes. Maybe it's the cast of talented young kids, some of whom are actually real-life choir boys, but you can't really tell that they're amateur actors because they were convincingly sincere in their diverse roles. The plot is quite formulaic; A failed musician turns reluctant teacher and inspires his students (from an all boys' school of mainly juvenile delinquents, it would seem..) to be more than what they are, through his love of music. As a result, the film has an omni-present feel-good factor about it, with plenty of laughs to keep audiences entertained, but never overwhelmingly saccharine sweet. There were several moments of gravity, when the plot becomes edgy and grim, yet these make for a nice, well-balanced whole. The almost bittersweet ending, in my opinion, was too abrupt & was not the bang which I expected... However, it didnt have that soppy, syrupy Hollywood fairytale finale, so thankgod for that~!
The most outstanding aspects of this movie, in my honest opinion, are the rousing choral numbers and the vocals of its main star, Jean-Baptiste Maunier (as one of the delinquents); with his crystal boy-soprano, he is indubitably, a genuine child prodigy. Seriously, his amazing (& goosebumpy) vocals makes Charlotte Church sound like a common-place village choir-girl! All in all, Les Choristes is wholesome family entertainment at its best, where ideas and themes are conveyed most effectively without being overtly preachy or teacher-ish. And yes, it's in French. Duh~
my ratings -- 4/5 stars~!
