mxtotten

I disagree with the previous comment regarding Olivier Dahan's direction, which was handle in my humble opinion, with such an eye for detail and created a wonderful, caring homage to Edith Piaf. I do believe that the chemistry between Mr. Dahan and the heart rendering performance by Marion Cotillard is what made the story riveting and visually stunning. Piaf's scattered "memories" are just what the film examines as she starts to dissect and remember fragmented moments in her life, and sometimes "in life" characters, relationships, lost loved ones are suddenly shifted and gone from one's perspective without any notice. The use of "just" the right amount of music, was done superbly as to not just make this a "concert type" musical biography but an exciting joy ride through an era long since past. By the time the credits were rolling both of my shirtsleeves were damp with tears of sorrow and tears of joy in discovering much more about such a remarkable, true modern day diva. I highly recommend this film.

Although this film has a likable and handsome German cast, the problem for me was that it started out as a light hearted variation on a coming out themed that turn into a sophomoric and a pedestrian and slightly angst ridden vehicle to promote oblivious suggestions to an age old situation... do we become ourselves or give away to a generic solution. Luckily the film's script opted for a somewhat positive ending but almost got lost in the forest trying to find its way. The films sensual moments were shoot without being gratuitous, but the humor and emotionally tagged soundtrack keep getting stale and in the way of making this a film to embrace and rejoice with.