Adrian M
Fantastic acting work by Cotillard, carries the movie and all it's imperfections through.
Very stylistic cinematography also helps to get on with somewhat chaotic, yet poetic and moving film about the life of legendary Edith Piaf
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/28/24
Full Review
Kyle M
Even if you're not fully accustomed towards a subject with such an iconic status, the story not only has noteworthy justification but what additionally contributes the worthwhile value is ideological examination besides generic sympathy. Édith Piaf was an iconic French singer who sung extraordinarily and charmed innocently, but beneath her facially-expressed successes is pain from the losses she experienced. Her singing enchanted her country, till her personal buildup of fragility weakened and exposed her whenever she collapses right in front of them due to drug addiction. Supposedly genealogy though elliptically suggested, it has led to her early death unconvincingly marked.
Marion Cotillard, whose caliber afterwards compels this apparent breakthrough, appears to undergo a spiritual embodiment that revived Piaf's presence. She must've paved this sort of honor to an extent of portraying a figure as it's been a special occasion since when seeing the actual figure revived, not much acknowledging as an immersive portrayal. Typically a tour de force in describing this feat with an impression is one of her best performances as she manifests what pained Piaf to the fault.
Although director Olivier Dahan definitively refined his focus as peaked staple of his handling under a sympathetic direction, through genuinely impressive merits that livens the Cotillard's stage, it's behaviorally flawed. Though the initial lack of interest is beyond his control as the reverence he led with is expectingly dedicated to both Piaf's memory and those who admired her that gave her the icon status, but the compel factor wasn't spaciously considered for those who watches this without any prior knowledge. The very reception exposes how elliptical it actually is and unable to identify much with much convincing. It goes further through non-linear structure being leaned on more than it liked. Understandably inspired and determined to deviate from structurally narrative genericity, the impact would arguably remain intact as the ideal takeaway is fame being a defensive front ignoring the mounting pain. Couple chemistries were relatively engaging, but to truly research and satisfy in respond to how they were built is to at least provide notes amid the closure, rather than just simply grasping what's become of them later.
"La Vie en Rose" may be merely a showcase for the talented Cotillard, an exceptional one that is, it may be best enjoyed by those who are more aware of the struggling singer as her voice still memorably echoes. Just from watching it honed observative awareness towards handling pain inwardly traumatically as ideologically suggested, as well typical appreciation for both talents whilst acknowledging the honored storyteller's delicate artistry. (B+)
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/09/24
Full Review
S R
1001 movies to see before you die (Added 2008; Removed 2013). I remember seeing this and enjoying learning about Pilaf, but not much beyond that.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
12/08/23
Full Review
John E
La Vie en Rose is a biographical film that highlights the life of Edith Piaf, one of France's most popular singers of the 20th century. The movie made its way to theaters in 2007 and stars Maron Cotillard as the central character.
Edith Piaf was born a sickly child who ends up being dumped on her paternal grandmother, the madam of a brothel in Normandy. She's cared for by prostitutes until her father returns and forces her into a life in the circus and then later as a street busker. As a young woman, Edith continues to sing in the street to earn small tips in order to get by in life. Eventually her singing is heard by nightclub owner Louis Leplee (Gerard Depardieu) who hires her. Edith experiences many ups and downs following her initial success at the club, and her experiences become mired by her abuses of drugs and alcohol. With her diminutive body, loud brassy personality, insecurities, and superlative singing voice, one can't help but notice the comparisons to Judy Garland.
In its entirety, the movie is a bit disjointed, and its non-linear storytelling often makes it difficult to put Piaf's highs and lows in proper context. Additionally, the movie failed to apply any type of balance between the ups and downs of her existence. Her lengthy fame and good times are pretty much ignored. There is also a minor plot thread revolving around Piaf's belief that Saint Therese speaks to her that seemed overly contrived. These things aside, the film does a formidable job of trying to encapsulate one's lifetime into a mere 140 minutes. The cinematography and costumes are outstanding, and all the supporting cast give solid performances. But make no mistake, this movie's true grandeur comes from Cotillard's intense and dazzling performance. She is astonishing in every way. Her performance earned her critical acclaim including acting wins for a BAFTA award, the Golden Globe Award and a Best Actress Oscar. It was the accolades of her performance that put this film on my 2023 must-see list. And in every way, it was indeed a must-see performance.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
09/25/23
Full Review
Thomas M
The best makeup and hairstyling ever done in a movie!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/26/22
Full Review
William L
Oh, so this is why *that song* was the one used in Inception, it's an homage to Cotillard's performance in La Vie en Rose. The more you know.
It seems like every actor feels obligated to take on a big, sweeping biopic at some point, whether to demonstrate their range, redefine their reputation, or chase some coveted statuette during awards season. These meet with mixed results, and they're often extremely susceptible to overacting in the pursuit of accolades; across that spectrum, Marion Cotillard's performance in La Vie en Rose must be near the top in terms of quality. She attacks the role of the tortured Edith Piaf with incredible energy and dedication, breathing life into a figure known just as much for sufferring through tragedy as she was for her colorful history (the film really glosses over the German occupation years but gives plenty of airtime to more conventional controversy, like Piaf's potential role in the murder of an early promoter). The film independent of Cotillard's performance is not particularly good, totally fragmented for the sake of artistry to the point of being difficult to follow, taking away some of Piaf's more controversial attributes, and brushing with a twisting relationship with religion but never really exploring it; however, with Cotillard added many of the scenes are electric. A lead performance deserving of a Best Actress nod and win. (3/5)
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/20/22
Full Review
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