Les Choristes (The Chorus) (2004)

"The Chorus" by French director Christophe Barratier is a musical master work that like an actual song, has so many overlapping beats and notes that it all comes together to form a truly special symphony. The plot follows a supervisor Clement Matthew as he joins a boarding school called "Fond Le Tang" after WW2 as most of the children's parents are either still recovering or dead. Clement finds the heart to turn this tragic bunch into a heavenly choir, but he has to contend with a variety of obstacles ranging from a corrupt principal to mentally disturbed child. The film's performances are amazing especially those of Gerard Jugnot as Clement and Jean-Baptiste Maunier as the "angel faced" Morhange because of their fantastic conveyance of tragedy, love, and triumph. I also liked it because of its post-WW2 setting as it gives everything a drab, grey look as if it jumped off a painting and 'cause each child has a sad back-story like Pepinot who believes his deceased father is coming for him on Saturday. In conclusion this film is one of a kind and like all good songs it will always be on replay.