Little Chenier

Actually, I would give this movie an 8.5 out of 10 if I could. It is a dramatic thriller set in the bayous of Louisiana. Two young brothers run a floating bait shop, abandoned by their mother, and neglected by their father-a drunk who is often absent. An attack on local livestock leads the sheriff and his son to question the younger brother, Pimot, who is mentally retarded. I can't go into more details about the excellent story, but will comment that this is an interesting movie for many reasons. All the dialog was done with convincing Cajun accents. I also liked the treatment of Pimot by the "good" characters. It really impressed me. They didn't talk down to him but treated him in a friendly manner and simply respected his limitations.

There is rarely a movie that accurately portrays Louisiana, a feat that "Little Chenier" achieved with charm and respect. The story is one of great love, responsibility, patience, and loyalty with songs that are sure to stir you. And if the music doesn't conjure up any emotions in you, the story certainly will with an ending that has viewers leaving the theater in awe.

I think this was a beautiful story and that the characters were very believable in their roles. The dialect was authentic in conjunction with the captivating scenery. It was able to truly represent many of the areas treasured by southern Louisiana locals. It is great to have these landmarks that were destroyed by Hurricane Rita preserved on film.

I was born and raised in Lafayette Louisiana and still am here and I was lucky enough to have viewed this amazing film at the Films on the Bayou Film Festival this past spring. The movie was very touching and funny and moving at times, and although, yes, some of the acting and accents were questionable, you could tell that Bethany put her heart and soul into this movie. It's one of the few movies out there that doesn't make fun of Cajuns, and it's very refreshing to see one, so props for that. The film pushed and pulled people in there seats. The crowd was very responsive, even after waiting the hour or more to view it since they had one role of film for the 5 packed theaters that were showing it simultaneously. If you get a chance to see it, please take the time, it's worth it.

This just moved above Bicycle Thief, Once Were Warriors, Once Upon a Time in America and Godfather. Seriously, never seen anything like this. Wow. I'm in awe. Wow. This is the best. Historic. Seriously. I don't know this culture very well, but the humanism displayed here, the friendship, the stupidity and the loyalty is so realistic...at least I hope so. The acting is beyond sublime, the story so poignant. Just watch. I have no idea why I haven't heard of this story before. Swampy. Devout. Loyal. Surprising. Surprising. Surprising. Heart warming. Disturbing. Concerning. I've now used too many words to describe what is a perfect piece of art. Just watch this film.

Finally! A movie that portrays Cajuns realistically without fake accents and over-the-top stupidity. This movie shows the soul of the Cajun people and the beauty of the land in which they live.Although the story takes place in the bayous of Louisiana the theme of jealousy is universal and everyone can relate to it no matter where this movie is shown. The music is not your typical "Jolie Blond" french music heard in every Louisiana film. It's french, but beautiful and haunting and helps to unify the film bringing the characters, bayou setting, and music together into one of the best films I've enjoyed in the past months. Bravo!