It is during this time that the film provides some of its lighter moments. As the film progresses, Mathieu’s newly formed choir grows in strength and the boys become happier as a result. Jean-Baptiste Maunier as Pierre Morhange in Les ChoristesĪlmost the entire film takes place within the walls of the orphanage, but the viewer is entirely captivated by the superb acting of all the characters, especially Gerard Jugnot (Clement Mathieu) and Jean-Baptise Maunier (young Pierre Morhange) who Mathieu is warned is a very troubled child despite having the ‘face of an angel.’ The relationship between these two characters is the heart of the film, as Mathieu recognizes the incredible musical talent Morhange possesses and acts as a mentor to help him fulfill his potential. As he slowly starts to gain the respect of the boys, he faces opposition from staff - particularly the brutal and traditional director of the orphanage, Rachin. Mathieu, a failed composer, is initially shocked at the behavior (but mainly the treatment) of the boys in the orphanage and is determined to inspire them through music. The film is told in the past tense as the now adult and successful conductor Pierre Morhange reads the diary of Clement Mathieu, his former supervisor and music teacher. However the second I was transported back to 1945 to the Fond de L’Etang orphanage for ‘difficult boys’, I completely forgot I was watching a foreign film altogether.īarratier creates such a captivating and magical world that the viewer is totally engulfed within it. As somebody who has not seen very many foreign films, I was a little hesitant when approaching Christophe Barratier’s Les Choristes ( The Chorus).

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