Boychoir (2014)

After his single mother dies, a young boy with an excellent voice is sent to a prestigious choir school, and has trouble adapting to the culture of the school.

Director:

François Girard

Writer:

Ben Ripley

Stars:

Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Eddie Izzard

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dustin Hoffman	...	Carvelle
Kathy Bates	...	Headmistress
Eddie Izzard	...	Drake
Kevin McHale	...	Wooly
Josh Lucas	...	Gerard
Debra Winger	...	Ms. Steel
Garrett Wareing	...	Stet
Joe West	...	Devon
River Alexander	...	Raffi
Sam Poon	...	Frederick
Dante Soriano	...	Fernando
Erica Piccininni	...	Debbie
Grant Venable	...	Andre
Janine DiVita	...	Sally
Tijuana Ricks	...	Mrs. Kempner

Storyline

Stet, a troubled and angry 11-year-old orphan from a small Texas town, ends up at a Boy Choir school back East after the death of his single mom. Completely out of his element, he finds himself in a battle of wills with a demanding Choir Master who recognizes a unique talent in this young boy as he pushes him to discover his creative heart and soul in music.

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Plot Keywords:

boy | choir | boy's choir | soloist | conservatory | 

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Taglines:

Extraordinary talent needs extraordinary inspiration.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 March 2015 (Singapore)

Also Known As:

Boychoir

Filming Locations:

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Informant Films,Informant Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A planned Spring 2016 broadcast of the film on CBS was cancelled at the last minute after a backlash from real-life former choirboys who were sexually abused at a private school similar to the one depicted in the movie.

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Goofs

Most of the music in this film is altered from its original versions, in some cases ending up dramatically different. Handel's Coronation Anthem, "Zadok the Priest", for example, is sung for about sixteen bars, when the audience suddenly applauds, some four or five minutes before the authentic piece would have been finished. Very few of these modifications were noted in the credits as "arranged by . . ." Speaking of poor Handel, his name is listed in the credits several times (the film score uses several of his works) as "Georges Friedrich Handel". Why would the French spelling of "George" be used? Handel was German, writing most of his music in England and Ireland. (Even the French-language Wikipedia page lists him as George, with the German alternative of Georg also noted.) And the reference to his "Alleluia" from Messiah borders on criminal. Everyone knows - or certainly should know in a production like this that strives to appear "classical" - that the piece was titled "Hallelujah" in every creditable published edition.

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Quotes

Master Carvelle: This is very simple Mr. Owens. I continue your son's instruction and you secret remains just that.

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Connections

Features It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

User Reviews

Inspirational, heartwarming, family friendly film. Loved it!

I am a fan of so much about this movie starting with its director François Girard, whose sensitive fingerprints are all over this lovely film, to what a perfect cast, to shepherd Ben Ripleys story which burrows deep into your heart.

This is one of Dustin Hoffman's best roles in ages, and it is a joy to see him again at the top of his game. Kathy Bates is exceptional as always, and the rest of the supporting cast brought life and heart to their performances

The new young star Garrett Wareing is already showcasing serious acting chops in this his first role and manages quite genuinely to evoke the transitory nature of life starting with his parents all the way to the very thing that saves him in this movie … the voice of an angel that will ultimately change. But isn't that what life is about? It's not what you deal with but how you deal with it? This film teaches us that lesson with a spoonful of sugar and the heavenly voices of the American Boy Choir. I was brought to tears more than once and the ending was genuinely heart touching and inspirational.

I saw this at Toronto and the movie was a true "crowd pleaser" in the very best sense. It received a sustained standing ovation.

A wonderful family film, and a holiday excursion into the heavens because wait until you hear not only the American Boy choir sing but also Josh Groban's song "Mystery of Your Gift" at the end of the film. It was breathtakingly beautiful and Oscar worthy.

I highly recommend it.