Christophe Barratier’s crowd-pleasing modern classic, of a teacher bringing life to a boarding school through song in postwar France, finally arrives at the Odyssey.
In 1949, would-be musician Clément takes up a post at Fond de L’Étang, where “difficult” boys are isolated and disciplined. Finding in them a liking for singing, he creates a choir for them as a source of joy, connection, and potential for everyone – but the unbending headmaster and threats of violence from other boys soon threaten to tear them apart. Loosely based on a real story and nominated for two Oscars, Barratier’s film tells an unashamedly old-fashioned story with warmth, spirit, and the right balance of sentimentality. It remains convincing and moving through its performances, not least those of the painstakingly cast child singers and actors who make up the choir.
