The Chorus (2004)

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

Director:

Christophe Barratier

Writers:

Georges Chaperot, René Wheeler

Stars:

Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 22 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gérard Jugnot	...	Clément Mathieu
François Berléand	...	Headmaster 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:

france | boy wears eyeglasses | boy | school | teacher | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Actor, co-producer Gérard Jugnot mortgaged his Paris apartment to help finance the film. The bet paid off, and he ended up making over 5 million euros for 'Les Choristes' as actor and co-producer. He earned the title of the highest-paid French actor in 2004, overtaking Jean Reno and Gérard Depardieu.

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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

Chabert: Action. Reaction.

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Connections

Featured in Phénomania: Les choristes: explication d'un succès (2005)

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Soundtracks

Seuls
Music by Bruno Coulais
Orchestra: Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra-Sif 309, Conductor Deyan Pavlov'
© 2004 Warner Bros. Records,WEA Music (p) 2004 Galatée Films

User Reviews

Share this film

As a public school choir director I was thrilled to see a movie that celebrated the joy of singing. At the end of the semester I ran "The Chorus" for all of my students and the response was astounding. A French film with subtitles that kept the rehearsal room totally silent for two days of classes. Fantastic.

I sincerely hope this fine film is given an honest opportunity to succeed in the U.S. We don't need a Disney remake in English with updated pop songs. This charming import is the real deal.

As a teacher I always trust the sometimes brutal honesty that high school students express about films and music. My experience this semester has been that "The Chorus" is a winner.

If you like this movie recommend it to others as it deserves to find its audience.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Facebook

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:

EUR5,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,355, 16 January 2005

Gross USA:

$3,635,164

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$88,385,944

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