The Chorus

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The Chorus

PG-13

2005

1h 37m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

105 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Pierre (Jean-Baptiste Maunier) is an aimless child at an austere boarding school in France. The students and faculty are constantly at odds with one another, until a music teacher, Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), arrives and starts a choir. Clément -- who has troubles of his own -- tries to change the reactionary policies of the school, choosing instead to encourage his students. His efforts have a particular impact on Pierre, who shows great musical promise.

Critics Consensus

While predictable, this low-key heartwarmer manages to be uplifting without overdoing the sentiment.

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Matthew Leyland

BBC.com

03/08/2005

3/5

Even though all the notes are predictable, the film hits them with wit, warmth and gusto.

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Nelson Pressley

Washington Post

01/28/2005

Ultimately effective on its own unambitious terms, but it's not the freshest thing to come down the pike.

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Peter Howell

Toronto Star

01/28/2005

2.5/4

Rises above feelgood status by virtue of its credible acting and outstanding score.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/05/2020

3.5/4.0

It is a simple, familiar story brought to life uniquely and touchingly.

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David Gurney

Common Sense Media

01/01/2011

3/5

Boarding school antics and the power of music.

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Doris Toumarkine

Film Journal International

03/01/2007

So infused with nostalgia, optimism and authenticity, it will prove irresistible to the older art-house demographic.

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Jane D

@RT46779547 1h

They checked all the boxes for this movie. Gay chorus director, black woman singer, conscientious objector (maybe gay); wounded singer who comes back without an arm, loose woman, stuffy board members, interracial romantic relationship, and oh, those who can't sing and men given permission not to fight because they are members.

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Janak D

@62Orka May 1

Beautiful movie! Definitely recommend this for people interested in choir music. Not as catchy as expected but worthwhile none the less

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Rafael A

@RT63966272 05/16/2025

Amazing movie! Great script, well directed, short but exciting! Great movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

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James W

@RT39326373 04/10/2025

Beautiful, heart warming film. Quintessential French cinema at its best.

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Teo D

@RT09790984 03/24/2025

One of the best (french) movies

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ano n

@RT09412788 02/01/2025

in my french class whe had to watch lot of french movies and this was the best!!! even if you don´t speak french it is a must see!!

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Christophe Barratier

Director

Gérard Jugnot

Clément Mathieu

François Berléand

Rachin

Kad Merad

Chabert

Jacques Perrin

Pierre Morhange adulte

Jean-Baptiste Maunier

Pierre Morhange enfant

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Synopsis

Pierre (Jean-Baptiste Maunier) is an aimless child at an austere boarding school in France. The students and faculty are constantly at odds with one another, until a music teacher, Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), arrives and starts a choir. Clément -- who has troubles of his own -- tries to change the reactionary policies of the school, choosing instead to encourage his students. His efforts have a particular impact on Pierre, who shows great musical promise.

Director: Christophe Barratier
Producer: Jacques Perrin, Arthur Cohn, Nicolas Mauvernay
Screenwriter: Christophe Barratier
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Pathé Cinéma, France 2 Cinema
Rating: PG-13 (Some Language|Sex References|Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 14, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.6M
Runtime: 1h 37m