JourneywomanLa Vie En Rose - review of a truly GREAT movie
July 12th 2007 05:39
That said, this is not your typical kleenex movie, nor is it a chick-flick. This is that rare thing, an unassuming piece of entertainment that pulls no punches. It is touching, funny, intensive, ugly, beautiful and at all times RAW!
The story of legendary French torch singer Edith Piaf - the French Judy Garland for those of you unfamiliar with the name Piaf - La Vie En Rose (originally released as La Mome) has succeeded in winning over audiences wherever it goes.
It's release in France early this year came disturbingly close to to doing the impossible and unseating Taxi 4 (the French equivilant of Spiderman 3) from its place at the top of the French box-office. Then it conquered Europe, before turning to the English speaking box-office. It took the UK by storm and is already screening in selected US theatres where it has won its star
The resemblance is not merely cosmetic - Cotillard sees to that!
Edith Piaf led a tragic life. She grew up in the streets, amongst the brothels and the bars and was plucked from obscurity to become one of the world's most famous singers. She lost the love of her life, alienated many others with her arrogance, halfway drank herself to death, was afflicted with crippling arthritis spawning a destructive drug addiction and causing her to age prematurely. She died in her 40's looking well into her 70's, a tragic figure.
Western civilisation loves tragic figures!
Marion Cotillard is astounding - BRILLIANT - as Piaf
Nothing is covered up or kept under wraps. Everything is laid bare and to maximum effect. Piaf was a legendary bitch at times with a wicked sense of humour. She thought nothing of sleeping with a married man. She worked at saloons as a young woman and kept "bad" company, finding herself indebted to the mob. She slept around. She was a drunk of epic proportions, willful and fiery - in short fascinating!
Cotillard captures everything moment as if she had been there and done it all before. She takes over within five minutes of appearring and makes what might otherwise be a somewhat scatty, fragmented movie into a masterpiece.
Cotillard has won herself the title of legend
The basic theme of this review is: go and see La Vie En Rose. There is quite simply no way it will disappoint you.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I'm a big Piaf fan and want to see this one, hopefully this weekend
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is on my list of films to see. That was a great review, thanks for the info,
Tracy