La Vie en Rose

Marie Cotillard gives a bravura performance as the French chanteuse Edith Piaf in this epic biographic film. Interlacing her final years of decline with the story of her life from the moment she is a waif sitting on a small side street in a rural French town this film chronicles the story of one of the greatest natural songstresses to ever live. Director Olivier Dahan has created a singular film which, while it over emphasizes the dark side of her life, brings home the arc of an extraordinary life. Gerard Depardieu is excellent in a small role as Leplee, the producer who 'finds' Piaf singing on the streets of Paris and gives her the name of 'the sparrow'. Piaf's struggles seemed almost Dickensian, but through it all she forges ahead with her singing to charm audiences and leave a legacy that we can all share today. I enjoyed this wonderful film immensely and highly recommend it to all.