Customer Reviews:
For Francophones and Fans.......2008-03-01
I hesitated to review this film because I disagree with the consensus.
The disjoint chronology of the scenes is very confusing, so that too much time is spent wondering "when was this". I think the director assumed that the audience would already be familiar with the main facts of Piaf's life, and while that is probably true for most Francophones and Piaf fans, the average filmgoer will probably be left reeling by all the flash backs and forwards.
I found by checking the internet, that most of the key facts of Piaf's life are included, which given the time constraints of a movie is an admirable achievement, but some are mentioned so briefly and in uncertain order that it may have been better to leave more out. Of course, in such a movie there has to be time for the songs and these seem well integrated. Where the film fails for this reviewer is that I felt no empathy for any of the characters, just that I was an observer. I have previously seen a documentary on TV, which for me was more effective.
On the other hand I think Marion Cotillard deserved the accolades for her acting and miming to the Piaf recordings.
Wonderful box set.......2008-02-26
I bought this box set without actually seeing the movie as it seemed like a good buy...
Well, I'm glad I did because the film is truly amazing, in a way it reminded me a bit of La Strada, it has that feel about it... it's destined to become a classic.
It's beautifuly acted and Marion Cotilard's portrayal of Piaf, desreves every acting honour going - she is amazing.
What stands out though is Piaf's tragic story and the original songs make it all the more poignant, that's why this box set is such a good deal - you get the soundtrack CD, which contains 11 Piaf performances of her best known songs as well as other music from the film. If you watch this film without ever having heard Piaf before, you will find her voice hard to resist so just buy the set and you will have a great memento of a superb film and her songs too!
The DVD is the 2 disc set and you also get a 40 page booklet all about the movie.
Superb!.......2008-01-13
There is no other word than "Superb" for this film. I agree, there was further details about Piaf's life that could have been included, but with such a life as Piaf lead, it would have been impossible to cover everything. Even the hardest of heart will, as I was, reduced to tears for a Lady that was obviously a woman who knew true love, poverty, hard work and sheer determination. Perhaps to feel we need to suffer a little? Wonderful - Thank you for such a wonderful film.
Ajn outstanding film.......2007-12-22
I agree with every word of David Spurr's excellent review. Oh that we had some critics in our newspapers that wrote with his passion and excellence.As to the film I saw it in London and loved it - and couldnt wait to get my own copy. I have again watched and enjoyed it even more. It is quite simply one of the best films Ive ever seen. It agree with David - it is impossible to watch without shedding tears for Edith Piaf. In every way a wonderful film. Dont miss it
Mike Woollam
South Africa
David Bret, Edith Piaf's biographer, says:-.......2007-11-27
Of the three major films made about Edith Piaf, this is by far the best. There are simply not enough superlatives in the book to describe it. I would defy anyone to to watch this and not shed tears. There are flaws, of course. The director in his wisdom omits Piaf's heroism duting World War II, and the key men in Piaf's life are for some reason overlooked: Yves Montand, Jean-Louis Jaubert, Cocteau, and even second husband Theo Sarapo only gets a cursory mention. The magic of the film is the voice--thankfully we hear the real Piaf--and Mme Cotillard, who more than portrays Piaf, she BECOMES her. We also hear Piaf's idol, Damia! The scenes covering Piaf's last days in Cannes are truly heartbreaking. And so I give a word of warning to other producers. Don't even THINK of making another Piaf biopic, for this one will NEVER be bettered!
David Bret's "Piaf, A Passionate Life", is also available at Amazon
UK DVD:
- Lilies : Complete BBC Series 1 [2007]
- Little Women [1995]
- Loving Annabelle
- Lynda La Plante - Trial And Retribution - 5 To 8
- Marie Antoinette [2006]
- Memoirs of a Geisha [2005]
- Middlemarch [1994]
- Million Dollar Baby [2005]
- Miracle Maker [2000]
- NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) Season 3
UK DVD List
UK DVD
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All Drama
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Drama
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Video
Piaf: A Passionate Life
Ute Lemper - A Tribute To Edith Piaf - Live At Montreux 2004
Edith Piaf: The Wheel of Fortune: the Official Autobiography
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