Mood: Sleepy
Reading: ABRI - Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia
Currently listening to: Letters To Cleo - I Want You To Want Me
Quote Of The Day: "The problem with the French is that they have no word for entrepreneur." - (attributed to, but probably untrue... i hope) George Bush

Another regular day at the office for the most part... *le yawn*

I did, however, get the opportunity to attend the opening of the French Movie Festival with my parents at Midvalley in the evening though, and watched the opening movie of Les Choristes (which was a big hit in France and various film festivals) with its director, Christophe Barratier, sitting barely six feet away from me.

The post-movie Delifrance sponsored buffet quickly devolved into a rabid free-for-all eating frenzy (but of course) so we made do with dinner at a nearby Japanese restaurant (Zakuro i think) - which does a pretty mean unagi bento btw - and then proceeded to spend the next 30 minutes shopping in Carrefour (a 6ft 4 eurasian in a full suit does not an inconspicuous person make - ESPECIALLY at Midvalley). Came back home, met up with Al, Sneexe, and Chen Hoe at Coffee Bean for some chit chat and confirmation/clarifications of this weekend's plans and that was pretty much my night.

Right, now that that's done... on with the review!

The film - based on a pretty predictable plotline - takes place primarily in the late 40s at the Fond De L'Etang which is a rock bottom boys school which is run by its tyrannically cranky principal who is a firm proponent of the school of corporal punishment as a means of maintaining discipline (and really, given their behaviour i can see why). Enter Mathieu, a dreamer of an artist who takes over as the school's supervisor who manages to connect with the students using a softer, caring approach. Long story short, after running the gamut of obligatory hazing that the boys put him through he goes on a one man reformation of sorts and gives them a greater sense of purpose and hope by teaching them how to sing in a choir.

Yes, yes, all very whimsically sweet really with a bit of a return to that bygone era of 'feel good' films. But then again, as with many French movie offerings in recent years - Amelie springs into mind - all of the various trials and tribulations of the characters in the movie (loneliness, broken romances, crushed dreams, and even the most subtle of hints of paedophilia/pedastry) are brought along with that unmistakable current of reassurance that something glorious, beautiful and good is just around the corner.

I won't go into much more detail for fear of giving away any major plotlines to those intent on watching it, but despite the predictability of the general plot i really did enjoy this movie as a whole. The cinematography and acting is surprisingly good with solid performances being turned in by pretty much everyone making their characters and the time it takes place in believable.

So, yeah, you'll smile, you'll laugh, and - dare i say it - you might even shed a tear during the course of this movie. Its just that emotionally endearing at times... (either that or i'm getting soft these days).

And the plot? Well... lets just say it might surprise you on a few small occassions, especially right at the end. ;)

Watch it if:

...you liked Amelie or if you're a teacher - its got bucketloads of that 'one person really can make a difference' theme going throughout.

Watch Out For:

...the 'angel-faced (and he is) kid with a voice of gold and the mischeviousness of the devil' who will, mark my words, be a damned heartthrob when he gains a few more years (bastard). ;)

Hrmm... that blasted sense of optimism is infectious - four smilies out of five!