Les Chansons D'Amour

Les Chansons D'Amour can best be understood as a hommage, paying tribute to old French musicals, but doing so in a modern way. Set in contemporary Paris, it features a fresh cast led by young rising actor Louis Garrel, who is supported by already well known actress Ludivine Sagnier and Clotilde Hesme. Showing their feelings through song, Les Chansons consists of all the ingredients you would expect of a musical. There's tragedy caused by a sudden death, a new romance between two people who you would not immediately imagine together, and a final chapter ending with a song. It's fun, charming, and very light. There's nothing groundbreaking here. It's just plain fun and entertainment covered in a coat of melancholy, recapturing those old French musical heydays. Just like John Carney's Once, Christophe Honoré's Les Chansons is not the typical musical containing big dance numbers and bombastic overtly happy songs. Its songs would fit perfectly on almost every pop CD you can find in your local recordstore and aren't those you would immediately associate with the musical genre. Still though, if you don't like films where characters happen to all of a sudden burst into song, than Les Chansons probably isn't a film for you. With its ménage à trois's, and openmindedness, embracing bisexuality, it also seems to target a young audience who will identify with the characters more likely than an older one. Overall, thus, Les Chansons D'Amour sparkles with energy. It's very upbeat and great for a fun night out with friends.