A wonderful movie, But research before you watch

Rating: 9/10 (2 January 2008)

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE, MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS I am 21 and I went to see this movie as a fan of singers from decades past. I did not know much if at all anything about Edith Piaf. I had heard "La Vie En Rose" many times in movies and television, but other than that and the fact she had been likened to the American singer actress Judy Garland, I was not familiar with Edith's music or life.
That all changed this past summer when I went by myself to the movie. I do not remember a time at the theatre in recent years where I felt such joy, such pain, such sadness, such inspiration, and all within the length of the film. For most of the film, I thought I was watching Edith herself. Like it was not an actress playing a part, but instead someone emersed so much in the part that you forget she was playing someone who has passed on.
To tell the truth, I didn't have any respect for even Gerard Depardu (forgive me if I am misspelling his name) until I saw his small but pivotal part in this film. I think that should show you how wonderful the movie is.
I am an American who is not fluent in french, so I had to study the subtitles. I figured that would be a turn off, but it only helped understand the movie and her life. Soon after seeing the movie, I went out and bought CDs containing "little sparrow"'s music and still continue to listen to it.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*** My only issue with the movie was towards the end, it jumped around a little too much. She went from old woman, to young woman, and back. I was glad I read a bit about her before, otherwise I would have been more confused than I was.