So charming, but what's new?

Rating: 7/10 (10 December 2004)

The film is uplifting. A physically unimpressive teacher in a boarding school for poor, vagabond kids spots singing talent and transforms the lives of scores of children through what he knows best--conducting choral music.
How much does this film differ from Peter Weir's brilliant "Dead poet's society" or even the Sidney Poitier film "To sir, with Love?" Precious little. The director Christophe Barratier likes music and therefore makes a film with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 a rarity among French films unless they want to go very commercial. He even casts his own uncle Jacques Perrin.. The film was showcased at the on-going Dubai International Film Festival.
The film has made an indelible impact on those who like music and those who have not been exposed to a wide range of cinema. To them the effort would seem remarkable. To others, the film is merely good clean entertainment, charming and uplifting. But in terms of cinema, what's new?