The Chorus (Les Choristes)
|
Our Price: $25.23 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.99 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Chorus (Les Choristes)
Movie Review: A Choral Music Teacher's Review (with SPOILERS - be forewarned!)
Summary: 5 Stars
As a certified choral music teacher, I want to add my $.02 regarding this film.
I, personally, very much enjoyed it. It illustrated extremely well the positive effects of music in students' lives (discipline problems minimizing, self-confidence rising, and just making a child happy to find an activity they enjoy pursuing). Watching Mathieu conduct the first set of choral warm-ups as well as teaching Morhange proper posture made me smile, as these are familiar teaching tools to choral directors.
What made this different from a film like "Mr. Holland's Opus" is that the movie didn't end with a large concert attended by an audience of supportive,crying parents/students in honor of Mr. Mathieu. In "The Chorus," Mr. Mathieu was fired from his job and went on to teach music privately for the remainder of his life. The cheesy, typical American style which would have the film end with a swelling orchestral score as the aforementioned concert audience stand to cheer/cry with joy would certainly evoke an immediate emotional response. However, this is an example of Hollywood being Hollywood. It's impossible to NOT get emotional when Mr. Holland hears his orchestral composition performed for the first time at a retirement concert in his honor. Hell, I got verklempt seeing that. But, sadly, it simply doesn't happen that way. "The Chorus" illustrates this well with it's unpretentious take on the life of a struggling musician trying to make it as a teacher.
The following is what happens to a large majority of vocal music professionals with big aspirations - they end up teaching full/part-time in a college/university setting, a school system, or give private lessons in a very humble manner, occasionally finding a chance to compose a small work for a local event and/or sing in a local opera/choir/musical/etc., without any fanfare. Those who DO go on to perform professionally almost ALWAYS say, "Well, I wouldn't be able to do this without working as a teacher/professor. That's where all professional singers start." These people teach for years, often touching the lives of students in countless numbers of ways, then retire to live a simple, quiet life. He/she will get a 'Thank You' from a few students and maybe some parents, but beyond that, not much else. For most, as they look back on their careers, they are generally happy to have had opportunities to teach young people the magic of music as well as feel that magic themselves as the occasional performer/composer.
Music teachers can also identify with some situations in this film. Who could forget when Mondain was hauled away and Mathieu leans out the window and says, "...but he was my only baritone." As much as Mathieu despised this ill-behaved hellion, he was, in fact, his only baritone for the choir, leaving Mathieu somewhat disappointed when he left.
Also, the attitude regarding music in the eyes of some school administrators (i.e. Mr. Rachin in the case of the film) should not be foreign to many music educators. The music program is deemed completely unimportant and unnecessary UNTIL it is noticed as a success and a delight - only then does the administrator praise and announce his 100% support for the music program - and, of course, claim the program as his brainchild.
I wish I could show this in a classroom. There are, however, a few crude scenes which make this impossible.
If there were options to use half-stars in this review, I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars, only because the film as a whole began to slow a bit towards the last 1/3 of the film. I found myself losing focus as the month of May rolled around in the film.
To comment on what another member said regarding the music skills coming about too fast. Do remember that this film takes place over several months, with progress not seen until the Spring. This is not atypical and not unusual at all. With an inspiring, determined teacher and daily rehearsals that include implementations/consistent enforcing of 'good singing habits' (all of which the boys had in the film), true quality can be seen over a span of a few months. The progress of the boys singing skills in the film was, therefore NOT so unrealistic.
In my opinion, every music educator should see this film - especially if one is in the choral music field. It is inspirational without being pretentious and, well shmaltzy. It's a much more true-to-life portrayal of the ups and downs of a music teacher with hopes of something bigger. Those not in the music field who are perhaps used to over-the-top portrayals such as "Mr. Holland's Opus" may not find themselves giving the film a standing ovation.
Movie Review: Working with the wild side.
Summary: 5 Stars
"A MAN AMONG WOLVES" National Geographic Channel one hour special with Shaun Ellis as he teaches three wolf pups abandoned by their mother how to hunt and survive.
"The Chorus" (Les Choristes) Running Time: 97 Minutes / Rating: PG-13 Director: Christophe Barratier Cast: Gérard Jugnot (Clément Mathieu), Jean-Paul Bonnaire (La Père Maxence), François Berléand (Monsieur Rachin), Marie Bunel (Violette Morhange), Philippe Du Janerand (Monsieur Langlois), Jean-Baptiste Maunier (Pierre Morhange), Grégory Gatignol (Mondain), Maxence Perrin (Pépinot), Thomas Blumenthal (Corbin), Cyril Bernicot (Le Querrec), Simon Fargeot (Boniface), Théodul Carré-Cassaigne (Leclerc), Kad Merad (Chabert)
The National Geographic Special on Shaun Ellis and the wolf pups is an interesting hour as this two legged Englishman teaches three rejected North American Timberwolf pups how to survive including fishing, singing, hunting and working out the relationships within the pack. He gets down and dirty with the pups as he wears the same clothes for two years and eats the same food, growls and asserts his Alpha dominance. Along the way his own family deserts him as he makes the choice to stay with the wolves. After two years and a necessary separation from the pack he is forced to submit himself and become the pack "peacemaker" since he no longer has the physical strength to assert his leadership. At that point he becomes the clever "peacemaker" who through force of "superior" knowledge is able to choose to give up obvious power for the power that is behind the throne. One could almost relate to the White House's Carl Rove position as he survived through his wits and greater knowledge of the outside world.
This is an old story that tells a lot about the dominant culture's projections onto other species and what they believe they will need to survive. We cannot know what these three beautiful wolves would have been like if they had grown up naturally. Indeed we can't even judge how good a teacher Ellis was but his journey into howling may have taught the science folks some important lessons about wolf music and even some of the purposes of singing in primal reality.
This takes us over into the French film from 2005 just making its appearance on the cable channels. Funny thing about it or Surprise! It's the same story. Failed French musician accepts a job teaching in a state reform school for wild children who are doomed to graduate into a society that doesn't know or appreciate their talents. The teacher discovers their voices and like the wolves, he teaches them to sing and to release their aggression through art and the cooperative values of choral ensemble. We even have the Alpha male and the Peacemaker. The teacher writes new music for them, brings out their lovely voices and teaches them to keep the authorities at bay with the beauty and power of the human voice. He even, like Ellis, lives with them as he integrates them into the ways of Western Civilization. His star singer even becomes a professional musician and tells the story in flashbacks. It is a lovely story and I suspect is more true for humans than for wolves since we can't talk to the wolves and get them to grade their teacher although they obviously love Shaun Ellis a lot.
That being said, I would recommend both programs for the lessons learned about the evolution of consciousness and cooperation through the power of music even across species. As for Wolves? I suspect that we have always had people who went out to live with and learn from Wolves, Bears and other consciousnesses. We do have such stories from our history.
I would also point out that our ancestors went to learn from them and had the necessary humility about what they themselves had to teach the wolf and the bear. The minimum for learning from a bear was three years before you could even begin the lessons and survive. We should tender our humility in these matters since yesterday's NYTimes pointed out that Chimpanzees had better memories than humans in certain areas having to do with numbers.
Ray Evans Harrell
editor, Nuyagi Keetoowah Journal
PS there is also a National Geographic program about a man who lives with bear cubs as well. Same story. Maybe they are all French. (joke) REH
This review appeared in the Nuyagi Keetoowah Journal April 2007
Movie Review: The Chorus - An Appreciative Gesture Towards Our Educators!
Summary: 5 Stars
Many people with failed careers often turn to education as a refuge where they still can be a part of what they love the most. These refugees usually do not have any idea of what they are about to do to themselves, as they are about to face young people who believe they know everything or lack the enthusiasm that they possess. Often it turns out to be a wake-up call that the previous job was not that bad after all, despite previous failures. Some of these refugees turn out to be excellent educators while others fail again. In Les Choristes, known as the Chorus here in United States, the audience is introduced to one of these refugees that is about to embark on a rough voyage, as he has taken a job as supervisor in a boarding school for troubled children.
Christophe Barratier who directs Les Choristes has previously produced excellent films such as Himalaya (1999) and Winged Migration (2001). The story that Barratier tells opens in New York where a man is half in slumber on a couch when someone awakens him in order to inform him that there is an emergency phone call for him. It appears that the man's mother has just passed away, which leads him to return to home. When the man arrives home the audience can deduct through the mise-en-scene that the man is the best conductor in the world. After the funeral a strange man knocks on the door to ask the conductor if he recognizes him while he has a gift for him from an old teacher. The gift is a journal in regards to what happened in the year of 1949 at the Fond de l'Etang boarding school.
The journal was a gift from his old teacher, Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot), which brings the viewers back to the year of 1949. Through this flashback the audience is introduced to the school, the students, the teachers, and the headmaster Rachin while the story begins to take form. The school is designed to help troubled youth to get on right track before it is too late. This means that many of the students at Fond de l'Etang are up to no good whenever they get a chance.
Rachin runs the school with an iron fist with the motto: "action - reaction", as he has lost all hope in the children's ability and only sees the imperfections of the children. Mathieu arrives quickly understands the psychology of Rachin, as he is forced to punish a student upon his arrival despite the student being innocent to his knowledge. The road to gain the students' trust is a long and difficult road, and more so to get them to follow the rules that he tries to set up. However, through compassion, self-irony, and a touch of humor Mathieu begins to get their attention.
Quickly Mathieu adjusts to the school environment, as he commences a tryout for a choir. Through the choir he gets the students to cooperate and build a meaningful sense of belonging. The educational methods that Mathieu uses win the students over, as they begin to do actual work while showing some progress. Unfortunately, Rachin sees the music as another way for the students to express themselves negatively and dishonorably. Rachin does not credit Mathieu for the students' progress through the music, as he tells him to stop the choir immediately. Despite the order from Rachin the students go underground much like the French Resistance during World War II in order to continue their music lessons. Through these lessons Mathieu builds strong bonds with the students, as he wins their trust while teaching them the wisdom of music.
The theme of Les Choristes is not unique, which can be seen in films such as Dead Poet's Society (1989), Dangerous Minds (1995), Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), and Evil (2003). These stories are also regarding teachers in school settings that change students' lives in some profound way. Another film that comes to mind is Cinema Paradiso (1989) that depicts an older man returning home to bury the man who changed his life. Les Choristes is a blend between these two themes.
Barratier's storytelling elusively ushers the audience into a terrific cinematic experience. The technical aspects of filmmaking are reliable and shine in the moments when it is necessary to elevate a mood and a feeling. The theme, which has been used before, still is powerful, as it is an essential tool for expressing gratitude to those who educate the youth of the world. In the end, Les Choristes offers a truly joyful experience, as it displays that there is hope everywhere if one only tries to see it.
Movie Review: Great Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
In "Les Choristes," a student's talent for singing is pursed and discovered by a rigorous, yet beloved and upstanding teacher, M. Mathieus. Despite his good intentions and care for his many students, the teacher's efforts are suppressed by the principal, Rachin, who does not believe the arts should play a significant role in his strictly academic- driven institution, Fond d' Etang. Despite the negative feedback given by the principal, M. Mathieus continues to practice with his students. As the lessons progress, the audience also observes the progression of the spirit of each of his students, as all of his students are eventually enlightened by this man, despite their initial thoughts and skepticisms. M. Mathieus ability to enlighten the spirit of each student with his knowledge and study of the arts and singing is precisely what allows this highly unconventional teacher to be such a great one.
Throughout his journey with his students at Fond d'Etang, M. Mathieus pursues the talent of the students, and one young boy in particular. With M. Mathieus, the students learn to pursue their dreams. He instills a drive in his students that can easily be observed at my favorite scene of the movie, the conclusion. Although M. Mathieus leaves the school at the concluding scene, I believe this scene is reflective of all the efforts of this teacher. At the conclusion of this movie, the students remove the cruel Rachin from office. Not only has M. Mathieus been able to enlighten the children with music, he has instilled in them a drive against unjust authority. He also taught them that sometimes, the conventional or societal expecting method is not always the right one. In this far superior lesson than the lessons of music notes, M. Mathieus is able to change the students' lives for the better.
M. Mathieus embodies the characteristics of a great teacher. His ability to pursue the dreams and talents of his students reflects a necessary characteristic of a good teacher: a genuine love and care for his students. M. Mathieus fought for his faith in his beloved subject: the arts, despite the personal sacrifice. Most importantly, M. Mathieus was more aware than anyone else in this film that knowledge simply is not good enough. The ability to share and enlighten others' with what you have learned and experienced in your field is what defines a true scholar and educator.
Along my career in education, I have been fortunate enough to be enlightened with such brilliant teachers. One in particular stands out in my mind amongst the rest. I believe this teachers' brilliance was not only contained in his vast knowledge in his field, but in his obvious passion and delight in teaching his students. Obviously, the material I retained in his class was extensive. However, at the conclusion of his class, I walked away with something far superior. My teacher inspired me to enter a profession of which I was passionate and awed by. Each of my teacher's lessons was accompanied by his passion for the material he taught as well as his passion for his students. So in many ways, Mr. Popiel's class never concluded because I will always carry the "lesson" he gave me, and perhaps some day, pass it on to my children and others' in the profession I choose to pursue. As such, even though each of M. Mathieus students may not enter a career in the arts, the lesson he taught them will forever remain in their hearts, as Mr. Popiel's has resided comfortably in mine. M. Mathieus left Fond d'Etang at the conclusion of the film, but because of what he accomplished in the hearts of his students, I believe it is fair to say that like Mr. Popiel's class, M. Mathieus class shall never conclude.
Movie Review: 'Music that soothes the savage beast...'
Summary: 5 Stars
LES CHORISTES (THE CHORUS) is director Christophe Berratier's first foray into the realm of full-length films and his adaptation of the 1945 film LA CAGE AUX ROSSINGNOLS written by Georges Chaperot and René Wheeler serves to introduce his talents as a master storyteller well. This tale of how music can alter the lives of even most renegade of boys is warm, sensitive, and satisfying on every level.
The story opens with the reunion of two men who were classmates at Fond de l'Etang, a boarding school for troubled boys in France in 1949. Pepinot (Didier Flammand) arrives at the door of consummate symphony conductor Pierre Morhange (Jacques Perrin) with a journal written by their beloved teacher Clement Mathieu , now dead, and the two read the journal, recalling their shared childhood experiences at Fond de l'Etang.
1949 and the Fond de l'Etang is a dreary jail-like, rundown place run by the cruel disciplinarian headmaster Rachin (François Berléand). Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot) is an older, bald, failed musician who seeks employment as a prefect in the school and immediately is forced to confront the rigors of the school's harsh discipline with the still flagrantly wild boys. Mathieu slowly wins the confidence of his boys by standing up to the cruel Rachin and when he is near his wits' end as to how to transform his class, he hears a boy sing and decides to use his musical talent to change these boys' lives. Two of the chief problem children are the angry but vocally gifted Pierre Morhange (Jean-Baptiste Maunier) and Leclerc (Théodul Carré-Cassaigne) and Mathieu coaxes them into the inner circle of his newly developing chorus. The other child who is without talent but for whom Mathieu empathizes when the child waits every Saturday for someone to claim him at the gates is Pepinot (Maxence Perrin) who Mathieu assigns as his assistant chorus master!
Through a series of incidents including the cruelty of Rachin, the appearance of Violette Morhange (Pierre's poor working mother who cannot afford to feed him), the success of the chorus in the eyes of the Countess (Carol Weiss) who acts as benefactor to the school, and some evil doings of the more difficult children, Mathieu's Chorus becomes a symbol for how problem children can bond in mutual need to the enrichment music provides. Rachin cannot tolerate Mathieu's success and fires him without allowing him to say a farewell to his beloved choristers. The manner in which this is portrayed is most touching and spiritually enriching and serves to resolve the mystery of Mathieu's departure to the adult Morhange and Pepinot as they finish the journal.
Simple story, told before, but superbly acted and performed. The music is by Jean-Philippe Rameau with original songs by director Barratier and Bruno Coulais, all beautifully sung by Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc with young actor Jean-Baptiste Maunier singing his own solos. The cinematography is in the capable hands of Jean-Jacques Bouhon, Dominique Gentil, and Carlo Varini. In French with English subtitles. Highly recommended little jewel of a film! Grady Harp, May 05