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