The Bélier Family

After the streak of french blockbuster comedies (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, Intouchables, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?) I had the impression that this one was a comedy too - but it's much more a sweet coming-of-age story, with some very funny moments thrown in. Plus there are some elements of the choir-film sub-genre - good choice, the human voice brings much emotion to the film.

Paula (played adorably by Louane Emera in I think her first feature) is the girl who is faced with the difficult decision - take the step from her family's farm and arms out into the world (= Paris, to work on her beautiful voice), or stay at home with them?

This is made more difficult by the fact that her parents and brother are all deaf-mute, so she feels very responsible (which means, of course, that she's making it difficult for herself, since, as her teacher points out - what were they doing before she was born?!). Thrown in is a little love story - which stays very background, surprising in a coming-of-age story but a good choice, because the film is all about Paula's step away from her family, not about the discovery of boys.

The deaf-mute theme is used for some gags, and to make it harder for Paula, but where it works best is in two scenes towards the end, none of them comedic but both very touching - in both cases it's about how the parents can (or can't) enjoy her daughters singing, an in both cases director/writer Eric Lartigau found perfect and satisfying solutions how to present this on screen - I don't want to spoil those scenes but you'll know what I mean when you see it.

The only weaknesses of this film are some small unexplored (and therefor unnecessary) side plots, and maybe an overplaying of the deaf-mute thing for comical effect which takes away some realism (needing an interpreter for the news on TV? really?) - but overall, highly recommended!

You want to watch the traditional super production, with special effects, super heroes, stunts, multi locations, etc.? then this is not the movie you are looking for. This great movie goes to the essence of a nice, loving, great family, who deal with human feelings in the most real, natural and believable way. A movie that will leave a great flavor. 100% worth to watch! Great acting, direction, photography, and of course, the soul of every movie, the script. More movies like this which show the bright side of life are needed, vs. the cinema that shows the sad reality of violence, crime, and stress. This last line is to fulfill the 10 lines required for a review. ;)

Since the moment I watched the trailer I told myself: "I have to see this movie." And it was worth it. Sometimes you don't need cars exploiting, a super mega plot twist, fantasy creatures or a whole new fictional world, sometimes you just need a heartwarming movie like this one. This is a nice film to see with your family, partner or friend. It has romance, comedy and a great ending. The movie gives you a different perspective of a unique family that like every other family has to deal with their own problems and issues. I give it an 8 because I felt they rushed to get to the conclusion but besides that the rest is great. The music and the way Eric portrayed it in the movie was amazing. Go watch it in theaters and let Louane Emera's voice take your breath.

"I am not fleeing, I'm flying. Understand well, I'm flying"

There are times when a film can hit close to home making it hard to review objectively because it has spoken to you in a very personal manner. That is the case with Eric Lartigau's French film, La Famille Belier, which centers on a family who are all deaf and mute except for their adolescent daughter who has become an important part of their life since she serves as their translator to the outside world. The family owns a farm and sells cheese at the local market. Despite of their disabilities, Gigi (Karin Viard) and Rodolphe (Francois Damiens), are very cheerful and caring parents. Their daughter, Paula (Louane Emera), is a talented singer, but of course her parents don't understand what music means to people. When her choir director discovers her potential, he asks her to participate in an entrance exam for the Maitrise de Radio France, an elite school for musicians in Paris. This puts Paula in a very difficult position because she knows how much she is needed by her family, but she also realizes that this a great opportunity for her to do what she loves. She also has a smaller brother named Quentin (Luca Gelberg) with the same disabilities. The film connected with me on a personal level because my father had a stroke five years ago and hasn't been able to speak since. He understands everything and communicates through signs and expressions, but he can't speak. The right side of his body was affected as well and he has trouble moving his leg and has no movement in his arm. I've been his therapist and seen his improvements from day one. He's also been very upbeat, cheerful and full of faith with regards to his disability. I connected with Paula's character because I understood the sacrifice she makes everyday for her family, although I'm in no way talented with my singing. The reason I'm writing all this is because it is hard to review a film that touches you in such a personal way. The film doesn't have any brilliant technical aspects to it, the story is melodramatic and clichéd, the performances are sometimes over the top (but comedic nonetheless) and the music sometimes can play a key role into manipulating the mood of the audience. These are aspects of films that I usually criticize, but in this film none of that mattered because it was an emotional roller coaster for me personally. I was entertained from the very beginning and enjoyed the entire film despite its flaws.

The lead role is played by Louane Emera who has a beautiful voice without a doubt. She was actually a participant in the French reality TV show, The Voice. This is her first film, but she really delivers a natural and touching performance. Speaking of reality shows, the film actually feels like one at times. You know how they usually try to engage the audience by introducing a participant who had a troubled past and is overcoming the obstacles to achieve his or her dreams. That is kind of what they do here with the character of Paula, they are using her difficult life story to touch the audience and make us care for her. I didn't have a problem with that however because it worked here. It manages to be funny and sad at the same time and it balances out those moments throughout the entire film. There are many subplots that weren't developed and should've been left out, but I think they were included mostly for comedic purposes and to take away our attention from the main theme of the film. Take for instance the moment where Rodolphe decides that he is going to run for mayor. There are a few funny moments but the film doesn't go anywhere with that. There is also a subplot revolving around Quentin's relationship with one of Paula's best friends, but that also ends up going nowhere. Those subplots were included as a way to mix things up a bit and fool the audience as to which way the film was heading, because in the end it is a bit all too predictable and clichéd. However, the music in this film works extremely well and I ended up caring for these characters and the decisions they had to make. Karin Viard and Francois Damiens had great chemistry together and provided most of the comedy in the film. Viard goes a bit overboard with her exaggerated stagey performance, but it worked. La Famille Belier is a very charming feel-good movie full of funny and sincerely touching moments.

In a few words this movie is a real masterpiece. It is able to 'broadcast' so many beautiful messages via a surprising good sense of humor.

It places the viewer in the position of various characters living a completely different life and facing controversial problems. And all that is accomplished in a real comedy way..

I have never thought what it feels like to be deaf, this movie allowed me to 'live' that situation for a few minutes.

Isn't that the real meaning of filming? Placing viewers to positions that they couldn't be placed in real life..?

I adored this film for another reason too.. It shows to all of us that you can still film a masterpiece with a tight budget.

It seems that good filming isn't the exclusive privilege of wealthy productions. Budget in filming is like money in life.. it makes things easier but it doesn't guarantee success.

Well done my French friends, "Bravo" I shall be watching you!

George P.