The Chorus (2004)
"Les choristes" (original title)

The new teacher at a severely administered boys' boarding school works to positively effect the students' lives through music.

Director:

Christophe Barratier

Writers:

Georges Chaperot, René Wheeler,

Stars:

Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Kad Merad

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 21 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Jugnot	...	Clément Mathieu
François Berléand	...	Rachin
Kad Merad	...	Chabert
Jean-Paul Bonnaire	...	La Père Maxence
Marie Bunel	...	Violette Morhange
Jean-Baptiste Maunier	...	Pierre Morhange
Maxence Perrin	...	Pépinot
Grégory Gatignol	...	Mondain
Thomas Blumenthal	...	Corbin
Cyril Bernicot	...	Le Querrec
Simon Fargeot	...	Boniface
Théodule Carré-Cassaigne	...	Leclerc
Philippe du Janerand	...	Monsieur Langlois
Carole Weiss	...	La Comtesse
Erick Desmarestz	...	Le Docteur Dervaux

Storyline

Fond de l'Etang is a boarding school for troubled boys located in the French countryside. In the mid-twentieth century, it is run by the principal M. Rachin, an egotistical disciplinarian whose official unofficial mantra for the school is "action - reaction", meaning that there will be severe consequences for any boy out of line. This approach does not seem to be working as the boys as a collective are an unruly bunch. In turn, the teachers don't teach, but are always watching out for the next subversive act from the boys. January 15, 1949 marks the arrival to the school of the new supervisor, M. Clément Mathieu, a middle-aged man who is grasping at finding his place in life after a series of failed endeavors. Although he does find the boys an unruly lot, Mathieu does not believe in the "action - reaction" policy, and as such, butts heads with Rachin while secretly undermining the policy. Slowly, Mathieu's approach of trying to match the discipline to the crime does have a positive ...

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Plot Keywords:

boy | school | teacher | boarding school | choir | 

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language/sexual references and violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

France Switzerland Germany

Language:

French

Release Date:

17 March 2004 (France)

Also Known As:

The Chorus

Filming Locations:

Château de Ravel, Puy-de-Dôme, France

Box Office

Budget:

€5,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$117,885 (Japan) (8 April 2005)

Gross:

$3,629,758 (USA) (20 May 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vega Film, Banque Populaire Images 4, CP Medien AG

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the film La cage aux rossignols.

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Goofs

When the now-bandaged Maxence shows Mathieu around on his first day he shows him a wall with photos of the school benefactresses and the motto "Labor improdus omnia vincit" which is attributed to Virgil. But the second word is incorrect - it should read "improbus". Translations vary but it means something like "Persistent hard work conquers everything."

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Quotes

Clément Mathieu: You see evil everywhere.
Chabert: Here? Yes.

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Connections

Spoofed in Petit Nicolas (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Vois sur ton chemin"
Lyrics by Christophe Barratier (as C. Baratier)
Music by Bruno Coulais (as B. Coulais)

User Reviews

A wonderfully uplifting film.

The locale for this French sub-titled film is a locked fortress-like school for poor boys from broken homes, WWII orphans and juvenile delinquents, very Dickensian in feel. The principal of the school,is a detestable man who abuses students and teachers equally. You've seen the plot before, of course, and some of the characters are "stock" sorts. But the acting of the lead, the teacher who "saves" the students by luring them into singing, is portrayed charmingly by Gerard Jugnot. Mostly bald, a bit stocky and no beauty, he is nonetheless disarming. The boy soprano, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, has a wonderful voice, and the chorus is splendid. Particularly fine was the score, almost entirely original, by Bruno Colais. I was looking for something inspiring on this bitter cold inaugural day in the U.S. Les Choristes made my spirit soar and reaffirmed that kindness, generosity of self and the gift of music still have the power to change people's lives.