One Chance - L'opera della mia vita

I saw the film One Chance prior to it's official USA opening, at the Aspen Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic applause and cheering from the audience. Although I am a long-time fan of its subject, British operatic tenor Paul Potts, it is not just "good if you like Paul Potts" but really, really good for anyone. Tony-award winner James Corden is excellent as Paul Potts, as is the rest of the cast, and the film is a first-class production all round. It is heartwarming and inspirational--and humorous--as it tells the story of a man who was born with an immense talent but bullied all his life for being "different." It is full of gorgeous music and full of romance as it follows the story of Paul and his wife, through difficulties--almost unbelievable, except it's true--that almost forced him to give up his dream, until it all came down to just One Chance to make his dreams come true. I would give it more than "two thumbs up" if I had more thumbs!

This is a touching story with moments of sadness, joy and humor. As far as I can tell it is based pretty closely on the true life of Paul Potts. I liked the realism portrayed in the characters and the situations; for once Hollywood restrained itself. For classical music lovers, the music is a treat. Until the end--after an incredible soundtrack of great pieces written by the masters and performed by true artists, we are treated to an over- credits song by... Taylor Swift. WHAT??? NOOOOOO!!! WHY??? Who on earth made the choice to include that--performer--in this? Nothing worse than having your ears and senses assaulted with garbage after first being primed by some of the best music ever written. That's like having a lunch of fine French cuisine and then being presented with a Twinkie for dessert. Thanks a lot, whatever idiot included that favorite of teenyboppers everywhere in this otherwise-fine film.

Since the film is based on a true story, you already know what the outcome will be from the starting point, so it leaves room for very little surprises. Nevertheless, the film is a wonderful feel-good movie. James Corden is perfectly cast as Paul Potts. The love story is beautiful and the characters are very likable. A delightful comedy, actually.

Other reviews for this movie (from "professional" reviewers) all point out how shallow this movie is when it comes to showing the feelings Paul is having at the various things that happen to him throughout his life. This may very well be the case. But this movie was not made to be a Doctoral Thesis on the effects of bullying. Rather, it was made to show how, once a young man becomes a coward in his youth, it is almost impossible to overcome later in life. The scene in the alley (when the chick comes to his rescue with the guitar) shows how, as an adult, Paul could only get the barest semblance of rage at his life-long tormentor, even though he had all the reason in the world to go ballistic. After losing his voice, he was unwilling to take a chance at being ridiculed by an audience, so he almost didn't even fill-in the form for Britain's Got Talent. He almost didn't go on stage (several times).

There must be a lot of kids getting bullied in England for their love of opera. Just this year, there was another case -- Lucy Kay -- who went through the same torture. She finished second, and has been signed by Simon Cowell personally for one of his labels.

Yes, this movie will not win an Oscar -- or even play in any American theaters -- but you need to see it. If you bullied fellow school mates when you were young, you might want to go find those now-grown-up kids and apologize. If you were bullied, this movie will inspire you.

Having watched the series of Britains Got Talent and remember seeing Paul Potts do his audition I can still see the nervous man walk onto stage amongst giggles and snickers from the audience. Once Paul started singing the hairs on my arms shot straight up and a cold shiver of amazement ran down my back at the magnificence and power of his voice.

The film shows most of the life of Paul before going on the show and the hardships he went through still believing in his love for opera and wanting to sing so much.

An absolutely brilliant film and well worth the watch as it has a great support cast with lots of humour, and by the end of the film you'll want to know more about the man from Wales.