Year: 1967
Director: Jacques Demy
Country: France
Language: French
Born June 5, 1931 Jacques Demy was the most
"American" of the French New Wave Directors. His films, free from
political agenda, were created in a self contained fantasy world inspired by
musicals, fairytale and classic Hollywood. His musicals, Umbrellas of Cherbourg
and The Young Girls of Rochefort, brought him worldwide praise. Though he made
other great works, none could match the popularity of Umbrellas. He died on
October 27, 1990 due to AIDS complications but he continues to aspire
cinephiles worldwide.
Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and Solange (Francois Dorleac) are two sisters living in Rochefort. Delphine is a dancing teacher and Solange composes and teaches the piano. Maxence (Jacques Perrin) is a poet and a painter. He is doing his military service. Simon (Michel Piccoli) owns a music shop, he left Paris once month ago to come back where he fell in love 10 years ago. They are looking for love, looking for each other, without being aware that their ideal partner is very close.
Though Umbrellas is much more beloved, I prefer The Young Girls of Rochefort. The former is a tearjerker about the woes of young romance, whereas the latter is pure escapism. Endless joy oozes off the screen and makes you feel like dancing along with the terrific Gene Kelly. The incredible dancing bursts of great emotion and raw energy. Demy's world is strange and offbeat, but full of dazzling colours that please the eyes and electrify the soul.
Much of the film's charm lies upon the witty, high elegant and absurdist dialogue combined with some terrible puns. I found myself laughing at how surreal Rochefort felt, yet I never found myself alienated by any of the characters, who are all charming in their own way. Demy places great importance on love and community. In Rochefort people fall in love very easily and over the smallest of things. It's breathtaking, the film is magic.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend The Young Girls of Rochefort as it's one of the greatest musicals ever made. Certainly it is a great film to watch when you're depressed. because it will take your mood to a much higher place. Demy's picture is a joy to the senses and to the spirit. Praise it! 5/5
Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and Solange (Francois Dorleac) are two sisters living in Rochefort. Delphine is a dancing teacher and Solange composes and teaches the piano. Maxence (Jacques Perrin) is a poet and a painter. He is doing his military service. Simon (Michel Piccoli) owns a music shop, he left Paris once month ago to come back where he fell in love 10 years ago. They are looking for love, looking for each other, without being aware that their ideal partner is very close.
Though Umbrellas is much more beloved, I prefer The Young Girls of Rochefort. The former is a tearjerker about the woes of young romance, whereas the latter is pure escapism. Endless joy oozes off the screen and makes you feel like dancing along with the terrific Gene Kelly. The incredible dancing bursts of great emotion and raw energy. Demy's world is strange and offbeat, but full of dazzling colours that please the eyes and electrify the soul.
Much of the film's charm lies upon the witty, high elegant and absurdist dialogue combined with some terrible puns. I found myself laughing at how surreal Rochefort felt, yet I never found myself alienated by any of the characters, who are all charming in their own way. Demy places great importance on love and community. In Rochefort people fall in love very easily and over the smallest of things. It's breathtaking, the film is magic.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend The Young Girls of Rochefort as it's one of the greatest musicals ever made. Certainly it is a great film to watch when you're depressed. because it will take your mood to a much higher place. Demy's picture is a joy to the senses and to the spirit. Praise it! 5/5
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