The Chorus Movie Review: By Jonathan Newman

Before I sat down to watch the Christophe Barratier's 'The Chorus', I had expectations of another dreary French arthouse pic, and readied myself for the long haul of having to trudge through 90 minutes of sub-titles and French sentimentality - certainly the poster for this film suggested as much. However, I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised by a moving, intelligent story, told like only the French can.

Gerard Jugnot plays Clement Mathieu, a supervisor who is sent to teach at a boarding school for truants. The school is governed with a strict hand by Monsieur Rachin, played by Francois Berleand. Clement, a frustrated musician and composer, helps discipline the youths by teaching them to sing and ultimately form a chorus. The story is told in flashback, as one of Clement's pupils seeks out an old classmate, who has now become a famous musician himself. The film is really about Clement's short but influential effect on the boys. As Rachin is fond of saying, "Action… Reaction". And for the short time that Clement supervises at the school, his influence leaves a profound effect on the future paths of these unruly boys.

The film is gentle told and directed with a compassion and simplicity that compliments the narrative as it unfolds. As a result, you can't help but be moved when Clement is fired from the school, and the boys, who can't leave their rooms for fear of reprisal, float paper airplanes out of their windows with words of farewell to their mentor.

The French are great storytellers and skilled filmmakers, and this film is both well scripted (adapted at the hand of Barratier) and adeptly acted by the ensemble cast, notably the children. The story, in itself, is not unique, and conjures up films such as Mr Holland's Opus. It also does use a certain dramatic form which does feel very familiar. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I cared for the characters.

It has already won a slew of awards and has been nominated for both an Oscar and a Bafta. The film also did well at last year's Toronto film festival and has the backing of film giants Miramax and Pathe behind it. It's competing against some major contenders, such as The Motorcyle Diaries and House of Flying Daggers. We'll just have to wait til Feb 12 to see how the Chorus performs at the Baftas. But don't let that stop you checking it out at your local cinema. A good night out.

Jonathan Newman