Extravagant character study.

Rating: 8/10 (8 July 2008)

Edith Piaf was born into poverty in 1915. By the end of 1963 at the age of 47, she was dead. During her short life, Piaf would be abandoned more than once, would be stricken blind for months as a child, get by day to day by singing on the streets for loose change, and would one day take her native France and the world by storm. 'La Vie En Rose' gives us a personal look into the events that defined the life of the wonderfully talented songstress, for good and bad. It is not a biography of fame and fortune, but the story of a woman who got by. A woman who made a name for herself.
The turbulent life of Edith Piaf is truly stranger than fiction. She led a blessed life, but one lined with tragedy. She lived with faith on her side, but had to overcome the most difficult of life's challenges simply in order to survive. It's important to understand that 'La Vie En Rose' doesn't glorify the life of Piaf. She was, as we all are, human. She made mistakes during her days, but she lived a live fuller than many of us can scarcely imagine. And though it's often all over the map and wildly uneven, 'Rose' does an exceptional and honorable job to present a balanced look at the life of one of history's most talented voices. It's a beautiful ode to Edith, even in her darkest of days. Director Olivier Dahan fulfills his duty, and as Edith's powerful voice brings us to the film's closing credits, it's as though we the viewer have walked a day in her shoes. And that maybe we're a better person for it.
I've saved the best for last, no doubt. I believe it's safe to say 'La Vie En Rose' would not exist today if it wasn't for the dedicated and moving performance by Marion Cotillard. It doesn't do her justice to call what she has done a mere imitation. No, Cotillard has done something very few performers have accomplished. She brings Piaf to life in front of our eyes, even for those of us who were never alive to experience her wonder. The quiet beauty and subtle characteristics are vibrant, but there's an underlying tone of tragedy always present. It truly is a tour de force performance in every sense, a heartbreaking and emotional roller coaster for the viewer to watch one young soul live through so much pain but bring joy to so many around the world.
'La Vie En Rose' is the portrait of one woman who came from nothing to become an icon. It's a poetically wondrous film with extravagant beauty that transports us to the streets of France. And with a jaw dropping performance from the gorgeous Marion Cotillard, this is one biopic full of life that's a real treasure to watch. Edith Piaf left this world much too soon, but her legacy and voice live on, and 'La Vie En Rose' introduces her music for a whole new generation to discover.
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