The Choral

I’ve just come back from watching it. To be honest I was disappointed. The story line of some of the characters was a bit disjointed and boring. I felt it had all been done before and was very predictable. Also there seemed to be a long a gap in their conversations, as though they were trying to remember their lines!
I loved the music and singing though and the concert at the end was brilliant with Ralph Fiennes as the conductor.
On reflection I think the last hour was better than the rest of the film.

notgran yes, I know that feeling too!
I also remember when we were performing Handel’s Messiah in a church, the chairs for the audience were in a semi circle . I was on the end of a line of sopranos with several of the audience who were following the score next to me. No room for even the tiniest mistake. !

Having been in a few very good choirs over my life, I especially liked how the conductor related to the choir. His manner and way of interacting with the local people was spot on. When he went in, very close to individuals to listen to them, gave me shivers, I remember that, terrifying. Also them being calm and professional most of the time until something happens probably unrelated to the music and they go berserk, even scarier. A well observed piece of story telling

Patsy70

JdotJ
I saw this on Wed with my WI Cinema Club.
Dare I say, I didn't like it very much. I didn't care enough about any of the characters as no back story given for any of them and they seemed randomly cobbled together to make up the choir.

The whole choir was cobbled together. They only had the ladies and a few older men as most of the younger ones had gone off to war. They recruited whoever they could.

Susieq62

As I know all of the locations I had to see it!
I thought it was disjointed, lacked pace and that Alan Bennett is capable of a better script than this! The acting was good as were the sets but it just lacked something.
However, if you want to see an excellent film, I recommend “ I Swear” , the true story of a person with Tourette’s. It is absolutely brilliant!

Thank you, Susie. My thoughts too. I’ll look out for ‘I Swear’, as my nephew has Tourette’s.

JdotJ

I saw this on Wed with my WI Cinema Club.
Dare I say, I didn't like it very much. I didn't care enough about any of the characters as no back story given for any of them and they seemed randomly cobbled together to make up the choir.

I hope those who've still to see it enjoy it more than I did.

My thoughts too. The scenery was pristine, not realistic at all. However, I couldn’t fault the actors. Pleased to have seen it, though.

Saw it this afternoon. A thoughtful, moving and funny depiction of of the time. Loved the music.

My mum was a Salvationist too!
I loved the film, especially for the choral training aspects, the music, the scenery, the Yorkshire accents, some better than others. I used to live in Yorkshire.
The context of going to war, seen as an adventure by those young lads, was poignant, given what we now know was almost inevitably their fate. The topic of conscription and being a conscientious objector was an interesting aspect to consider too. I found the romantic interests a bit -er-uninteresting, but could not spoil a great film.

About to go to see it. Being a former Salvationist the girl in her bonnet fascinated me. I remember wearing one too and still have my mums bonnet.

Wasn't sure about this film, but your reviews are encouraging.
Thanks

Lovely film. Very bittersweet. Funny in places, sad in places, but very entertaining.

Been to Saltaire twice now .. wonderful Historic town .. recommend going to see it all ...

I saw a preview of it when we went to see 'Downton Abbey the Grand Finale.' We made a note to go and see it but we haven't yet. I must remind DH.

lovey to read all your comments. We very rarely go to films, but I'm hoping we'll to get to see it very soon - esp as my husband loves the Dream of Gerontius!! .

I saw it yesterday and loved it, plenty of smiles at some of the funny lines and a lump in my throat at the end. To hear Alice Coote singing the Dream of Gerontius as the credits rolled was superb. Highly recommend

Saw this yesterday. Everything about it was wonderful.

Thank you for the recommendation 😊

We really enjoyed it. It made me think of my late Nanny (as in Grandmother), she was born in 1900. What a different world it was then.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will make its way over to the States. Love all things Alan Bennet, and as I was born and brought up in West Yorkshire I will also look forward to seeing the filming locations.

As I know all of the locations I had to see it!
I thought it was disjointed, lacked pace and that Alan Bennett is capable of a better script than this! The acting was good as were the sets but it just lacked something.
However, if you want to see an excellent film, I recommend “ I Swear” , the true story of a person with Tourette’s. It is absolutely brilliant!

We found this film very moving and poignant in many ways. Well worth seeing.

I saw this on Wed with my WI Cinema Club.
Dare I say, I didn't like it very much. I didn't care enough about any of the characters as no back story given for any of them and they seemed randomly cobbled together to make up the choir.

I hope those who've still to see it enjoy it more than I did.

Unmistakably Bennett.
Quite a lot of themes and sub plots going on
made it slightly fanciful.
Recommended.

Went to see it on Sunday with a friend who sings in a choral choir. I don’t but we both loved it . I spent most of the time in tears . So very poignant and emotional, wonderful words by Alan Bennet. Recommend it thoroughly.

Highly recommend this film