The Chorus

Rating: 8/10 (23 September 2007)

I selected to see this movie by default. It was high on rating, and I just gave it a chance, without knowing what to expect.
The story is about a middle aged musician Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot) who arrives at a boarding school for delinquent boys, held captive in fear by dictatorial head master Rachin (Francois Berleand). Gerard with his sensitive and mild ways changes the heart and mind of boys and teachers in the boarding school with simple inculcation of musical chorus among boys. He also tries pursues a relationship with a gifted singer boy Pierre's (Jean  Baptiste Maunier) mother Violette (Marie Brunel), who falls in love with an engineer instead.
This is the first full fetch movie of the musician convert to Director Chritophe Barratier, who has won tremendous applause and credibility across the world, through this movie. The direction is good, the cinematography is excellent, and music heavenly. Yes at times the scripting, characters and events are clichéd. Gerard has given an outstanding performance as warm Clement Mathieu, with subtle expressions and emotions hidden behind his chubby self that is remarkable.
It is a French movie and I loved it. Some movies make you fill with you much happiness and joy that you feel satisfied after the viewing. This is that kind of a movie.
(Stars 7.75 out of 10)