The Choral

All star cast (all on form), nicely produced, good dialog, rich cast of finely drawn credible characters, musical theme well developed, narative pacing and density pretty good.

Why a 6.5 rating? There were some clumsy, ugly and unneccessary elements: The sex (not explicit but hightly suggestive). A short Elgar appearance that was unpleasant and jarring that had the potential to be so much richer and edifying than the brutal iconclasty that seems more populist than anything else.

We liked it, good workmanlike effort. But won't be watching again or adding it to the collection of keepers.

Just seen this film. I didn't expect it to be so moving and a very timely reminder of the futility of war. The singing was beautiful and the two main soloists were incredible. The storyline contrasts the horror of war against the beauty of music. I left the cinema feeling deeply moved and hopeful that the collective human spirit can transcend the depths of despair.

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Ralph Fiennes provides a very strong and energetic performance in an otherwise, cheesy and predictable period piece tale about WWII. The writing and direction pretty follows every single cheesy, predictable and basic structure for period piece movies in recent times. While it does offer some new insight about the time era and the characters purposes and setting, as a whole, the movie doesn't really offer much to add. Because many of the narrative choices and structure was predictable, cliche and uninteresting.

Throughout, the musical moments are pretty good as there are some heartfelt purposeful singing and musical scores. The production designs are good and the performances from Fiennes and the other are pretty good. However, character-wise, they all feel one noted. Their development is pretty lacking and are displayed like many cliched historical movies without substance or creativity.

Alongside with some bland camerawork and pacing issues, the movie does have some strange coloring effects that makes the movie at times, feel unnecessarily dull. Including with some pacing issues.

Overall, it has good intentions but the experience was pretty forgettable.

For such a stellar collection of talent this was pretty disappointing. It felt like a slightly weak episode of Downton Abbey.

If a gentle tale, well acted, in lovely scenery is what you're after on a Sunday evening at home, this is perfect.

But what potential spurned. A truly great cast that could have got its teeth into something very significant. The subject matter was there, it could have explored any number of angles. But it just pottered along. With no real tension or jeopardy. No rise and fall of emotion. Just...nice.

The possible tensions were everywhere. War, nationality, sexuality etc etc.

I get that it's fine to leave these as mere suggestions, but, boy, there was a great film to be made here. Shame that this wasn't it.

Some huge names in this film. Was expecting a lot and it didn't disappoint. Was very impressed with the acting and costumes.

Great opening scene with the telegram coming to the door and the lady with her little boy. Probably being told his dad is dead!

The script is very well thought out and extremely moving.

Went to see it on remembrance Sunday and was a great experience.

Well done to all involved.