Marvellous but not perfect movie

Rating: 7/10 (13 April 2007)

Saw "La Vie en Rose" (US title) last night at the Philadelphia Film Festival. It received rapturous applause at the end and the director came on stage to answer questions. I was very moved by this film and especially Marion Cotillard's tour de force performance as Edith. The photography and sound were first class. It could be improved by editing out at least 30 minutes from its current excessive length. I was mostly confused by the endless flashbacks too. But overall it was a marvelous cinematic experience and timely glimpse at Piaf and her music again. The director explained to us that he didn't want to make a traditional biopic - more a paen to Piaf's art.