L'école de tous les talents

This is a TV film based on the book Ballet Shoes. It is about three adopted girls just after the First World War who all have different ambitions for the future.

This may come as a shocking statement to some, but I think this deserved to be in the cinemas just as much as Spiderman 3, Enchanted and that sort of thing. I like those films as well of course, but this is really something.

I like this for the brilliant acting from Emma Watson etc, the similarity to the Noel Streatfield book, a lot of the humour and the end of the story, it is one of my favourite parts of the film. It may miss bits out from the book, but those bits are the unnecessary parts and the parts left in are well-chosen. I cannot properly explain how and why I like this (the previous part of the paragraph was not totally what I meant), but I just recommend it to anyone who likes the book and people who like Emma Watson.

At the very beginning of the film, a young girl with no surviving relatives other than her uncle, goes to live with him in his huge house of fossils. Her life becomes happier, but it soon turns out to be hard work again when on his travels around the world, the uncle sends her three baby girls. These girls grow up to have bright personalities and mixed interests and talents.

Enjoy "Ballet Shoes"! :-)

This reminded me of the Sunday afternoon dramas that the BBC used to show when I was young. There was nothing to dislike about this; it had charm, an improbable story, over-the-top characters and a real feel of the period it was set in - the thirties.

There were lots of familiar faces; it was good to see Peter Bowles back on TV and anything with Victoria Wood has to be good. Emma Watston sustained the reputation she built up in the Harry Potter films - she is definitely going to be a big-name actress in the future. My personal accolade of Best Actress, however, went to Yasmin Paige who played Petrova, the girl who wants to be the aviator. You heard it here first folks - she is going to be a famous actress - and I'm not even her mother!

Noel Streatfeild's book 'Ballet Shoes' was read by nearly every English girl who is now a woman over fifty. It was filmed in 1975 and here it is again. If you don't mind the fact that the plot will not stand a close examination (one character disappears for twelve years without explanation, before returning, but no one finds that odd), and if you are willing to watch a film for its fairtytale qualities and sparkle, then you will find this most enjoyable and well done. Most viewers will be female, either women delightfully reminiscing, or young girls still innocent enough to dream (if there are any left who are not already binge-drinking and having sex at the age of ten). Heidi Thomas's script doesn't even try to make sense of the implausible plot, but just gets on with the fun. The film has been very well directed by Sandra Goldbacher, now we hope rescued from the world of television advertising. The story concerns three orphan girls living in a big house whose owner is absent. They are played with tremendous youthful energy and verve by Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige, and Lucy Boynton. They are 'running out of money' and cannot afford dresses, despite the fact that they live in a huge mansion (see page 94), but let's not worry about that inconsistency. One wants to act, one wants to be a ballet dancer, and one wants to be an airplane pilot. Well, why not? They struggle and have vicissitudes, as one must do to succeed, and manage to earn enough money to keep the bailiffs from the door. They are looked after by Emilia Fox, who coughs and becomes increasingly frail and wan but never quite gets the TB that is hinted at, and she falls in love, and is broken-hearted and desolate, but ... well, I ain't sayin' what happens there. Comedienne Victoria Wood is a kind of super-nanny to all, showing her warm heart straight off the AGA, Richard Griffiths is as jolly as ever when he is around, and that is very jolly indeed. Everybody has a great time, and so do we.

It is obvious that this film was made for a younger audience, and as such it is a perfectly good film with a good story and interesting characters that were well acted. Although not being in the targeted age group I enjoyed the film very much too, and it reminded me of the sort of children's drama I enjoyed as a child, it has an innocence and charm which unfortunately could be lost on a modern audience. It was good to see Emma Watson in a film other than the Potter films and I feel it is certain that her career as an actress will give her great success for decades to come. I always find that Emilia Fox gives a credible performance and with the inclusion of Richard Griffiths ,Marc Warren, Lucy Coho and Victoria Wood I would recommend this film to all.

"Ballet Shoes," released in 2007 and directed by Sandra Goldbacher, is a heartwarming tale based on the novel of the same name by Noel Streatfeild. Set in 1930s London, the film follows the lives of three adopted sisters - Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil - as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing their dreams of becoming performers.

The story begins with the three sisters living in poverty with their guardian, Sylvia Brown, who struggles to make ends meet. When Sylvia leaves to travel the world, she entrusts the care of the girls to her friend, Gum, who runs a boarding house. Despite their modest upbringing, the sisters share a deep love for the arts, each possessing unique talents and aspirations.

Pauline dreams of becoming an actress and eagerly embraces the opportunity to audition for the prestigious Children's Academy of Dramatic Arts. Petrova, on the other hand, is more interested in machines and dreams of becoming an aviator. Posy, the youngest sister, is a gifted dancer with a passion for ballet.

As the sisters pursue their respective passions, they encounter various challenges and setbacks along the way. From financial struggles to the pressures of the competitive performing arts world, each girl must find the strength and determination to overcome obstacles and follow her dreams.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its portrayal of the bond between the sisters. Despite their differences in personality and interests, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy share a deep love and loyalty to each other. Their unwavering support and encouragement serve as a source of inspiration throughout their journey.

The performances in "Ballet Shoes" are top-notch, with Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige, and Lucy Boynton delivering standout performances as Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, respectively. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters' relationships.

Beyond its charming characters and engaging storyline, "Ballet Shoes" also offers valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of following one's passion. Through the trials and triumphs of the Fossil sisters, viewers are reminded of the power of determination and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's dreams.

In conclusion, "Ballet Shoes" is a delightful and uplifting film that celebrates the bonds of sisterhood and the pursuit of artistic expression. With its compelling performances, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless themes, it is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of dance, drama, or simply heartwarming tales of triumph, "Ballet Shoes" is a must-watch film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.