La Vie en Rose (2007)

La Vie en Rose

This is a well made, truly excellent rendition of Edith Piaf's life. It tells the story of her life though a series of flashbacks. It takes us from her humble birth, though the difficult years of her childhood and teen years. This movie helps us better understand the kind of events that helped shape her personality as well as her complexes. Throughout the film we hear her beautiful music which reflects her deep desire to be loved and her unwavering sense of hope. One comes away from the film with sadness for the difficulties she endured thoughout her life but with a great respect for her ability to rise above her problems and create beautiful music. October 9, 2008

"I regret nothing."

The story of France's most beloved singer begins in 1918 in a squalid section of Paris. Little Edith is abandoned by her parents and goes to live in her grandmother's brothel. There, she becomes blind from an eye disease and is cared for by the prostitutes. When she recovers her sight, she is forced to join her father as a street performer. Her remarkable singing voice is noticed by a night club manager and she begins her meteoric climb to success, but it is tempered by a series of personal tragedies.

The beautiful Marion Cotillard gives the performance of her life as Edith as she physically transforms several times and is utterly convincing as a scrappy street kid, a sickly drug addict, and finally, a prematurely-aged invalid. She rightly won the Best Actress Oscar for this challenging role.

The movie is in French with English subtitles, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all; in fact, hearing the beautiful French throughout made it better. Piaf's voice is heard on all the songs and it's a voice that reflects great pain and inner strength. This is an emotionally-draining film with outstanding acting. Highly recommended. October 8, 2008

Happy with this slashed price

This is a film I can watch again and again, primarily because I love the music. Piaf was an amazing force and she's quite a heroine in France. The casting for her role could not have been better and the script stayed true to the real facts of her life. This is an excellent period piece. She is an inspiration. September 19, 2008

Heartbreaking

Incredible performance, moving and tragic story. I now understand why Piaf's voice was so wonderful, sad, haunting, but proud.

I will watch over and over again. September 10, 2008

Memorable and haunting!

Marion Cotillard's portrayal of Edith Piaff is one of the best personifications of a trouble star. I watched this story and could not even take a break. La Piaff's life was anything but normal, and listening to her songs is an unforgetable experience for anyone who liked her style. Highly recommended. August 27, 2008

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