La Vie en Rose
Picturehouse Entertainment | Release Date: June 8, 2007
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 125 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
97
Mixed:
20
Negative:
8
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
HihihahahohoDec 6, 2020
Definitely the best performance I've ever seen. Marion became my favorite actress after this movie
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
JasonGMar 15, 2011
Marion Cotillard is absolutely captivating in her innocent and arrogant portrayal of The Little Sparrow. The slums of Paris are beautiful thanks to the rich music and character and song - while New York has never looked more glamorous than itMarion Cotillard is absolutely captivating in her innocent and arrogant portrayal of The Little Sparrow. The slums of Paris are beautiful thanks to the rich music and character and song - while New York has never looked more glamorous than it does surrounding Edith Piaf. Watching La vie en Rose was like attending a marvellous art gallery that comes to life and sucks you in.
However, the film starts as many biographical features do; late in the career of the subject and with ominous signs of the impending downward spiral. We then cut to Edith's childhood and one can assume that what follows is her life and lead-up to the film's opening scene. Instead the film jumps to moments in her life that both precede and follow the opener with no discernible pattern. At first this seemed simply an artistic method of film making but eventually became a confusing maze of snippets of film, so much so that I began to wonder if the film was going to ever end - and when the final scenes did come, I found I wasn't quite ready for them.
Nevertheless, Cotillard's performance was without fault, the music is nothing short of beautiful and overall La vie en Rose is a very touching film.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
diego9901Oct 20, 2013
is regular until Marion Cotillard appears she alone can carry the whole movie because his acting sweet and dramatic and also have a harrowing scenes...
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
KellyS.Jun 8, 2007
Brilliant acting, dark and painful to watch, however the movie , the music, her life all amazing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MarylnLJul 13, 2007
Excellent acting, but two hours of unmitigated misery. Ignored much in Piaf's life that would have provided context, depth and appreciation for her contributions. Why, for example, are Piaf's actions during France's Nazi Excellent acting, but two hours of unmitigated misery. Ignored much in Piaf's life that would have provided context, depth and appreciation for her contributions. Why, for example, are Piaf's actions during France's Nazi occupation omitted? A confusing and superficial soap opera that doesn't look beyond Piaf's self-destructive tendencies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
MMJul 5, 2007
Formulaic, made-for-TV, slap-dash approach to a story which would have been interesting if more insightful, less superficial.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
WillH.Jun 13, 2007
This movie is an extaordinary experience and Ms.Cotillard gives a tour de force performance! Just as some U.S. critics never 'got' Piaf, some present day critics didn't get this film. Even if you are not familiar with Piaf, This movie is an extaordinary experience and Ms.Cotillard gives a tour de force performance! Just as some U.S. critics never 'got' Piaf, some present day critics didn't get this film. Even if you are not familiar with Piaf, you will be astounded by the voice and the film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ScottP.Jun 9, 2007
The critics missed this one, raw and powerful, with a climactic sequence that manages to be bleak and despairing, and uplifting and deeply moving at the same time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SamuelJul 23, 2007
I thought this film was a very good biopic of one of France's greatest exports. Edith Piaf's music and voice continue to touch new fans and this movie really gives a nice overview into her life. Acting was superb. The only knock I I thought this film was a very good biopic of one of France's greatest exports. Edith Piaf's music and voice continue to touch new fans and this movie really gives a nice overview into her life. Acting was superb. The only knock I have on this film is that it could have gone deeper into the psyche of Piaf. A towering voice deserves a towering tale, and heart.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JamesL.Jul 29, 2007
I thought this was a beautiful and mesmerizing film in which the weak point was me; the viewer. It is the best film I have seen this year. I went into the film knowing nothing about Edith Piaf and rushed home to search her on the web. A I thought this was a beautiful and mesmerizing film in which the weak point was me; the viewer. It is the best film I have seen this year. I went into the film knowing nothing about Edith Piaf and rushed home to search her on the web. A brilliant piece of work.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FScottS.Jul 8, 2007
An amazing engaging film of a conflicted tormented talented individual. A first rate experience in the movie theatre.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
VeraCJan 7, 2008
Mesmerizing. Marion Cotillard 10, rest of ensemble 9, movie 8. Watched it on the plane and later rented the DVD and on rewatching admired the feel and the flow of movie even more. Think the non-linear telling makes it a better movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BarryJ.Nov 25, 2007
Totally engrossing. The audience stood and applauded at the end. Marion Cotillard was excellent. One of the finest film experiences I have ever had. And the directing and editing were very effective. You came to understand the pitiful, Totally engrossing. The audience stood and applauded at the end. Marion Cotillard was excellent. One of the finest film experiences I have ever had. And the directing and editing were very effective. You came to understand the pitiful, wasted life of this artist who rode so high but could not shake her drug and alcohol problems or her roots. Like Janis Joplin, her body only lasted into her early forties. The movie tells the story so faithfully, sadly, unfortunately. But so elegantly. Certainly worthy of nomination.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JasonADec 10, 2007
fitting an entire life into a film is impossible. and so with that i say the editing and storyline was bold and courageous. at the expense of having the viewer keep up with the timeline, the movie gave life to the deep tragedies her voice fitting an entire life into a film is impossible. and so with that i say the editing and storyline was bold and courageous. at the expense of having the viewer keep up with the timeline, the movie gave life to the deep tragedies her voice carried in her songs.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AlanaJun 15, 2007
C'etait magnifique!!!! The story was incredible and Marion Cotillard even more so. Bravo!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
SamJ.Jun 16, 2007
This movie is a complete mess, and I am appalled at the user reviews, claiming otherwise. I love Piaf and the music, but this film is a sad disappointment.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RitBJun 18, 2007
If you see this film you will remember it for a long, long time not only for the superb acting by Marion Cotillard but for the songs of Edit Piaf. It
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KevinJun 23, 2007
A great movie! Its dream like sequence presumes that the audience is either familiar with Edith's life or will be motivated to find out more after the movie. The random sequence is untidy but quite original and works well in this case. A great movie! Its dream like sequence presumes that the audience is either familiar with Edith's life or will be motivated to find out more after the movie. The random sequence is untidy but quite original and works well in this case. Biopics that start at the end like "Evita" are no longer that original. Marion Cotillard makes you believe that she is Edith. My only complaint is that the movies does overdramatize an already difficult life when it did not need to. I for one would not call Edith's life a tragic one, but one filled with tremendous highs and loves, in addititon to shattering and tragic lows. Of note, Edith was surrounded by people who truly cared about her and she died in the arms of a much younger second husband who catered to her every need. Unlike many tragic figures, she did not die alone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AdaMJun 25, 2007
I highly recommend this movie, but it is long and because the storyline kind of flash forward and backward a bit too much, it can get confusing at times (a lot of the time leaping took place between her late 20s and early 30s, therefore her I highly recommend this movie, but it is long and because the storyline kind of flash forward and backward a bit too much, it can get confusing at times (a lot of the time leaping took place between her late 20s and early 30s, therefore her looks didn't change very much so it gets hard to get the sequence right, the fact that I had to read the caption doesn't help but it's my fault for not understanding French!! Because of the length bring a cushion with you if you can (I was in a cinema with well worn seats that resemble recliners, I had to crane my neck throughout that 140 minutes in order to watch the movie and not the cinema's ceiling). I am going to watch it again this week with a seat at the back (so that it is easier to read the caption while watching the rest of the screen) and a cushion.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BillyS.Jun 30, 2007
Nicle Kidman played Virginia Woolf, Charlize Theron played Aileen Wournos, Reese Witherspoon played June Carter Cash, Helen Mirren played Queen Elizabeth and they won 4 of the last 5 Best Actress Oscars for playing famous women,with that in Nicle Kidman played Virginia Woolf, Charlize Theron played Aileen Wournos, Reese Witherspoon played June Carter Cash, Helen Mirren played Queen Elizabeth and they won 4 of the last 5 Best Actress Oscars for playing famous women,with that in mind, go ahead and engrave Marion Cotillard's name on the 2007 Best Actress Oscar because she not only plays Edith Piaf in Le Vie En Rose, she actually becomes Edith Piaf! It just may be the first case of a true channeling ever captured on film. It is, without a doubt, without a flaw and without an asterick, one of the five greatest female performances ever put on film! Bravo, little sparrow, Bravo.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FantasyJul 11, 2007
Tremendous movie worthy of OSCAR consideration for Marion Cotillard who is simply superb as the late Edith Piaf. I am at a loss to understand why this film is not in wider release. It is a work of art and should not be missed. A perfect 10!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AlexandraJul 14, 2007
I thought this film was fantastic, and am perplexed by the reviews. Marrion Cotillard's performance as Edith Piaf was astonishing, harrowing, and the film was constructed in a way as to symbolize the various complexities that made Edith I thought this film was fantastic, and am perplexed by the reviews. Marrion Cotillard's performance as Edith Piaf was astonishing, harrowing, and the film was constructed in a way as to symbolize the various complexities that made Edith the truly unique star that she was. This film is great for anyone who appreciates the triumph of spirit over inconceivable odds. Extraordinary.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ArthurKJul 19, 2007
It may be non-linear on purpose, but 140 minutes of artistic flashbacks with few fact clarifying scenes makes this movie a bear to watch. The acting is great though and for anyone having grown up in France during that period, the "chansons" It may be non-linear on purpose, but 140 minutes of artistic flashbacks with few fact clarifying scenes makes this movie a bear to watch. The acting is great though and for anyone having grown up in France during that period, the "chansons" of Edith Piaf are deeply nostalgic.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
MarkB.Aug 7, 2007
Roughly 20 years ago, Clint Eastwood excoriated the performances of Jessica Lange and Kim Stanley in 1982's biopic of star-crossed actress Frances Farmer, Frances, citing them as prime examples of just the kind of overblown histrionics Roughly 20 years ago, Clint Eastwood excoriated the performances of Jessica Lange and Kim Stanley in 1982's biopic of star-crossed actress Frances Farmer, Frances, citing them as prime examples of just the kind of overblown histrionics that critics and Academy Award voters traditionally get suckered in by. Clint was wrong as far as that particular case was concerned, but his comments have proven to be notably instructive in light of the universal acclaim--adulation, even--that Marion Cotillard has received for her shrill, one-note, nails-on-the-blackboard portrayal of legendary chanteuse Edith Piaf; put simply, it's the most overrated acting work so far this year in service of what is arguably the most overrated movie so far this year. Richard Roeper and others have gone so far as to call upon the Academy to just dispense with the calendar and hand Cotillard the Best Actress Oscar right now, but thankfully we've still got several months of unknown competitive possibilities ahead of us. (It's a shame, though, that while Cotillard is a virtual shoo-in for a nomination, such infinitely richer, subtler, more nuanced work by Keri Russell in Waitress, Molly Shannon in Year of the Dog, and perhaps even Julie Christie, eschewing Lifetime-movie-of-the-week shorthand as an Alzheimer's patient in Away From Her, are probable longshots.) Cotillard gets to do everything that the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences traditionally likes to see in its favorite performances: scream at people, suffer alcohol AND drug addiction, scream again, sing, scream some more, be physically incapacitated, wear a ton of old-age makeup and die an on-screen death that seems to take nearly as long as Piaf's REAL demise did. What Cotillard DOESN'T do (except in a very few scenes with her lover and, near the end of her life, a reporter) is infuse her character with much variety or sympathy, athough to be completely fair to Cotillard, writer-director Olivier Dahan, who wallows in tragedy and degradation with at least as much gusto as Eli Roth and Roland Joffe do in their recent examples of torture porn, doesn't give her much of a chance. No, we don't want to go back to those sanitized showbiz biopics of the 1940s, in which Lorenz Hart and Cole Porter's sexual preferences couldn't ne honestly depicted (or even mentioned), and you could well argue that Edith Piaf wasn't a very nice person anyway, so why shouldn't her movie biography reflect this? I'd counter that musical icons Ray Charles and Johnny Cash were also very deeply flawed individuals, but that Jamie Foxx and Joaquin Phoenix (and the makers of Ray and Walk the Line) infused them with moments of warmth, decency and humanity without at all compromising or whitewashing their darker sides. At the very least, La Vie en Rose could showcase the vocal talent that made "The Little Sparrow" so passionately loved on both sides of the ocean, but Dahan perversely doesn't even let us hear her sing her way to the top in one key montage sequence--just one of many irritants to be found in his endlessly annoying 52-Pick-Up flashback structure. (He does, however, take great glee in having her collapse onstage not once, but twice.) The superb period set design, art direction and costuming is absolutely unassailable, and in most other instances would demand a big screen viewing in spite of all the aforementioned flaws, but this astonishingly, bullyingly unpleasant film qualifies as a rarity among rarities: a musical that, if seen at all, is best suited for a DVD rental...with the sound turned all the way down.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
bobG.Mar 29, 2008
i'm not sure if the construction of the history was the best, but for me it was good enough; but what mezemerize me the most is the exceptional performance of Cotillard.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
GinaC.Nov 27, 2007
The jumpy editing ruined it for me; it kicked me right out of the movie and prevented real involvement in, and caring about, the main character. And Why did the movie skip over the years of WWII? I hope in future someone makes a good movie The jumpy editing ruined it for me; it kicked me right out of the movie and prevented real involvement in, and caring about, the main character. And Why did the movie skip over the years of WWII? I hope in future someone makes a good movie about Edith Piaf. She's an interesting subject and deserves a well-done film bio. This isn't it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DavidJun 13, 2007
Marion Cotillard's performance is one of the most electrifying, totally committed tours de force I've ever seen; astonishing, riveting, and utterly haunting. The film that contains it is harrowing to watch, bleak and dark (as well Marion Cotillard's performance is one of the most electrifying, totally committed tours de force I've ever seen; astonishing, riveting, and utterly haunting. The film that contains it is harrowing to watch, bleak and dark (as well as quite beautiful), relentless and perhaps over-long...but it is also a fever-dream and a work of art, that makes no judgment on, and draws no easy conclusions about, an extraordinary, and extraordinarily brief and tragic, life. I dare you to look away.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SylviaE.Jun 14, 2007
I saw this film a few days ago and am still riveted by it. Marion Cotillard's performance is extraordinary, I have never seen an actress encompass a role so completely. Although harrowing at times; the combination of story, I saw this film a few days ago and am still riveted by it. Marion Cotillard's performance is extraordinary, I have never seen an actress encompass a role so completely. Although harrowing at times; the combination of story, cinematography, music and performance makes the experience well worth while. This one is a keeper for the ages.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JimGJun 17, 2007
Very enjoyable biopic. **SPOILERS** The time-shifting gets a distractingly aggressive; a generous interpretation would be that the more rapid jumps between shorter snippets is brought to a crescendo in the final flash of her life before her Very enjoyable biopic. **SPOILERS** The time-shifting gets a distractingly aggressive; a generous interpretation would be that the more rapid jumps between shorter snippets is brought to a crescendo in the final flash of her life before her eyes. The music is incorporated well and it was a relief to see many circumstances where the overdub of Piaf recordings was not forced into an obligatory lip-sync. Some of the imagery/transitions were delightfully clever. Cotillard does a good job, despite appearing to be a stage actress caught on film. The overall effect is worth it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MarkG.Jun 18, 2007
Marion Cotillard's sensitive portrayal of Edith Piaf is truly one of the most affecting and devastating performances in cinema history, as powerful and moving as any I have ever seen. I have a BA in drama, have seen countless thousands Marion Cotillard's sensitive portrayal of Edith Piaf is truly one of the most affecting and devastating performances in cinema history, as powerful and moving as any I have ever seen. I have a BA in drama, have seen countless thousands of films and this movie shook me to my core. Anyone who wants to be an actor should watch this film and see what it is all about. This is the top of Mt. Everest, the pinnacle of what is possible, what goes beyond acting to the realm of truly being, to channeling the soul of another and letting it possess you completely. Few portraits have ever been so utterly true. Marion Cotillard is the greatest actress of her generation.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
bobbJul 22, 2007
Academy award performance! Giulietta Massina revisited. Outstanding production. 10 minutes too long.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
XavierP.Sep 22, 2007
Beautiful, compelling, perfect acting (Oscar caliber), capturing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JakeP.Feb 17, 2008
I don't typically attack other postings in my review, but the fact that 'advance scout team' guy Mark B. spent such a great deal of effort degrading Cotilllard's brilliant performance is baffling to me. This movie was I don't typically attack other postings in my review, but the fact that 'advance scout team' guy Mark B. spent such a great deal of effort degrading Cotilllard's brilliant performance is baffling to me. This movie was extraordinarily well made, and Cotillard's performance is impeccable. This is the stuff of legends. Great film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ERG1008Sep 13, 2010
A wonderful performance from Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf.
With a strong supporting cast, the film keeps your attention for the whole 2 & a half hours.
The incidental music is superb, so much that I bought the soundtrack.
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10
scrieciuAug 13, 2011
Since I saw Marion Cotillard in the movie '' Inception '', I became a fan, because she's such a beautiful and talented actress. After I found out she won an Oscar for this movie, I had to see it. '' La vie en rose '' (original title is '' LaSince I saw Marion Cotillard in the movie '' Inception '', I became a fan, because she's such a beautiful and talented actress. After I found out she won an Oscar for this movie, I had to see it. '' La vie en rose '' (original title is '' La môme '' ) is a captivating, entertaining and melancholic movie. It's the first time that I really felt sad for a character. Marion delivered such an amazing performance, that I couldn't even recognized her. She totally deserved that Oscar. It's the kind of movie that a teacher will make the students watch in class for an educational purpose. Well, it would have been the best. I enjoyed it and I had no problem understanding (okay okay, I speck french, sorry for putting it in your face). What I mean is, it's better to see it in the original language. Because if you see it with english subtitles, or if it's translated in english, it won't be necessarily the same thing (emotions, effect, plus it doesn't always translate expressions correctly). Anyway, french or not, you can still be amazed by this film. The cinematography is wonderful. The filmmakers did a good job for creating the ambiance from approximately 1920 to 1963. Of course, it also has some great classic songs. I wish I knew Marion Cotillard earlier, but I'm glad that I had the chance to see it. If you're a fan of dramas or melancholy, this movie is for you.… Expand
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9
HalfwelshmanSep 23, 2011
Just as a biopic should be, it's all about one person. If the actress playing Edith Piaf wasn't up to scratch, the film wouldn't work at all. Thankfully, Marion Cotillard is absolutely captivating. The inhabits the role to such an extent thatJust as a biopic should be, it's all about one person. If the actress playing Edith Piaf wasn't up to scratch, the film wouldn't work at all. Thankfully, Marion Cotillard is absolutely captivating. The inhabits the role to such an extent that you can forget that you're watching an actress. The film itself, through the way the story is told, is able to manipulate your emotions so effectively that you may find yourself laughing one moment and sobbing fat tears the very next. Piaf's iconic songs also perfectly compliment the story of her remarkable, if tragic life.… Expand
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8
Iky009Sep 16, 2015
The life of Edith Piaf is told in a way so that cohabitant can not help but applaud the fantastic performance of Marion Cotillard, who embodies the surreal way the character. The film is wonderful.
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8
AriayiApr 22, 2015
everytime i find out that a movie is about a celeb or it's a biopic, i would hesitate to watch it or not,but this movie,absolutely is marvelous and i've been watched it three time.
magnificant role play by dear Marion Cotillard and make up.
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8
David05Sep 9, 2016
This movie is really captivating and deeply sentimental, there were aspects in the plot that were not pretty clear, they didn't show certain things of Edith Piaf's life that I consider are important for the development of the story, someThis movie is really captivating and deeply sentimental, there were aspects in the plot that were not pretty clear, they didn't show certain things of Edith Piaf's life that I consider are important for the development of the story, some things were not well exposed to make the movie clear enough but generally the movie could transmit Piaf's heart and soul, there were many beautiful scenes and Marion Cotillard's performance was excellent.… Expand
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6
amheretojudgeMay 19, 2019
Cotillard is alone on the stage, more than two hours of distraction is needed, gaze into her eyes and groove as she grooves.

La Vie En Rose Dahan whispers the high pitched note with an authentic old style method. His calmness in the film isCotillard is alone on the stage, more than two hours of distraction is needed, gaze into her eyes and groove as she grooves.

La Vie En Rose

Dahan whispers the high pitched note with an authentic old style method. His calmness in the film is to be enjoyed. The director and co-writer, Olivier Dahan oozes warmth in Edith Piaf's life by embracing her innocence. His key ingredient is Edith Piaf (Marion Cotillard) being unaware of the social rigmarole which is usually much more sensitive and turned to 11, when you are a recognizable face in this show business. Tackling that very issue with different perspectives and going in step by step, taking his time, just like the enacted boxing match, he is hitting the right punches in every round. And so what if he asks for your patience, if the fruit is this.. fruit-y, be patient.

Another major hurdle he successfully jumps over, is the poignancy of the world painted in here. Despite of some jarring moves taken in her life, the film perpetually remains uplifting and full of hope; it is perfectly edited. Tiny aspects like make-up, costume design and stunningly shot musical sequences, helps Cotillard boost her performance as this infamous and beloved singer. Never for a frame, she flinches and you fall deep in her innocent big eyes forgetting an actor is acting, pretending to sing, and more importantly falling.

On terms of structure, the film pretty much is created with the understanding of being a textbook biography, visiting various range of characters in the form of guest appearances there is very little for us to stick by this train of social visits. This is the part where Dahan loses his audience for a brief period, switching from one scene to another, a push was much needed and unfortunately Cotillard is tied by her hands in those situation so not even her Jazz-ing La Vie En Rose will save this night.… Expand
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6
FilipeNetoDec 12, 2020
Edith Piaf is certainly one of the most unmistakable voices in 20th century music and one of the most successful and iconic singers in European music. Her life, in fact, deserved a film adaptation, but I think, after what I saw in this film,Edith Piaf is certainly one of the most unmistakable voices in 20th century music and one of the most successful and iconic singers in European music. Her life, in fact, deserved a film adaptation, but I think, after what I saw in this film, that it gives us a somewhat bleached and "sanctified" view of that singer. I can understand that the production wanted to avoid controversies or displeasing the artist's fans by revealing ugly or arguable moments in Piaf's life, but I think it would have been bold and interesting to do so.

In fact, Edith Piaf had a life full of dark and painful moments, which the film chooses to ignore or to relativize. She was born in a poor neighbourhood of Paris, in an unstructured family with connexions to North Africa (Edith's grandmother was a Berber): her mother was a coffee singer, her father was an acrobat and their marriage was the worst that it could be, with mutual betrayals and violence. The breakup led Piaf's mother to become a prostitute and leave her daughter with her negligent Berber mother, which led his father to take her to the brothel where her mother works while he himself goes to the First World War. In 1922, he comes back to take her, introducing her to the artistic life and, thus, having a strong influence on her life. It was her father's insistence on marriage that made Piaf walk away after several fights. Another topic that this film surprisingly addresses lightly is the hectic love life of Piaf, who at 17 went to live with her boyfriend and became a mother, fleeing almost immediately due to domestic violence, living in hiding and going to the justice for a custody dispute, which she lost (her daughter died a few years later). Wounded, perhaps more than we can imagine, Piaf never married or had children again, despite her several well-known boyfriends and lovers. Even more impressive is the fact that the film took a "leap" in time between 1938 and 1948, ignoring what the singer might have done during World War II and the German occupation of France. The omission is all the more serious as the fact that she had a dubious activity in this period, along with a brilliant artistic life, for which she was severely criticized by the French, even being accused of treason and of having collaborated with the Nazis. Piaf defended herself by saying that she actually collaborated, but with the French Resistance. Is it true? I honestly don't know and the film chose to leave the subject. But, even if we don't want to go that way, here we have an artist who knew hunger, misery, social degradation, family and domestic violence, the pain of losing a child and having a bad relationship with both parents. A life of tears and shadows that the film took very bad advantage of.

Despite this, we have to admire the extraordinary artistic quality of Marion Cotillard, who was truly able to embody Piaf. The actress is relatively unknown outside the French-speaking world and has made a solid but discreet career. Nevertheless, she was amazing in this film, and she deserved with all justice the Oscar for Best Actress that was given that year by the Academy. The film also features the discreet but effective participation of Gerard Depardieu, Emanuelle Seigner, Clotilde Courau and Pascal Greggory. Despite that, I didn't feel involved. There is something that completely fails in this film, which I think is Olivier Dahan's (director and screenwriter) inability to create an empathy between the main character and the audience. I think he leaned against the shadow of Piaf's institutional solidity and fell asleep, that is, he made the film for the French and for Piaf's fans, and he did not concern about other audiences for whom the singer means little, but who might want to see the film anyway.

Technically, it was a film that did what it needed to do, but without much shine. There is a lack of energy and charisma, which is reflected in a dull cinematography and an excessive duration of two and a half hours, in which the film drags on in an almost unjustifiable way. The sets are excellent, as are the costumes and makeup (the film also won the Oscar for Best Makeup, which means something) that, with their efforts, helped the actress Cotillard to look as much as possible with the real thing singer. The soundtrack, of course, is solidly based on several Piaf songs and accordion themes.… Expand
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