Customer Reviews

Little Chenier: A Cajun Story

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What makes me love this movie is that, unlike most movies today, this film actually tells a story. How the lives in this small area are intertwined, and how each person's actions have such an effect on the others is beautifully portrayed. I actually cared about these characters and their lives. Maybe that is why it isn't an easy story to hear, especially if you watch the alternate ending, but it is so worth the time. I'll buy this one because it is worth watching more than once, in part for the scenery, but also because there is so much there I'm guessing I'll find more if I watch it again. Even if you're not up to buying this, at least put it at the top of your rental list.

What a truly beautiful film
I learned so much about the Cajun culture - about their passions and beliefs
The story is brilliantly written by Jace Johnson
It's a study of amazing characters, all totally believable, all totally real.
The acting by EVERYONE was superb
The "fornication" scene is one of the funniest and most well written pieces of dialog I have heard in a long time
The scenery was breathtaking
As was the film itself
No wonder Little Chenier won 15 major film festival awards
Including 9 Best Picture awards
An absolute joy and pleasure to watch over and over again

It is not often that a high quality film production comes through the Cajun country to capture the scenery and locale so eloquently. Filming locations were around Little Chenier and numerous parishes surrounding. The absence of destruction is because the film was made just prior to Hurricane Rita. There is no link for the Blu Ray title of this so I will mention it briefly.

The Blu looks incredible for the scenery and vegetation captures. Every time a boat goes through the water channels everything looks so flawless. No special features are included and the sound was mixed down to 2.0. The DVD is worth the purchase for local fans though.

The story is quite simple yet manages to convey a sense of importance for the players involved. A tale of love, betrayal, tragic death and intertwined stories while the simple life passes by in the Cajun country. Two brothers ebb their existence by selling fish bait from their small dock, whilst being watched by the local sheriff for crimes they may or may not have committed. Their best friend, played by Clifton Collins (who is awesome in Dirty - a must see for fans of his) adds the slightly comedic element and semi-protector of the group. Lines are crossed, beautiful topography imagery is interlaced, and locals get their 15 minutes. Performances are forced and the accents slip quite often, but the background is what holds it together.

If you live outside the filming area, this film would still be worth the watch just for the scenery. The DVD has a few deleted scenes and a drastically different alternate ending. Another selling point would have to be the music options. They have transferable songs from the DVD and extra cuts from other artists for download to your computer. The movie is listed online as 120 minutes, but the running time is 100 (110 with deleted) so not sure what was cut.

Be sure to watch the pics of where they filmed immediately followed by a shot of the after effects of Rita - heartbreaking (just prior to credits). Speaking of credits, they are very detailed - and more representative of filming spots than I have seen in any other listings. I wish all films were that precise, kudos to the locals who got their boats and homes listed by name.

As a born and bred Cajun it is difficult to fine movies and books that TRULY portray us as intelligent, modern human beings.

This movie did a better job than most, although it would have worked better set in long-ago days.

However, the plot had all the elements of a good story - interesting characters, satisfying ending.

I especially liked the dedication. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina,the victims of Hurricane Rita (and now Ike) were all but overlooked.

Pamela S Thibodeaux, Author Tempered Dreams
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

This Movie is great. I also seen it in the theater in Lake Charles. It is very heartwarming and funny. I was very impressed with the way it protrayed cajuns. In Most movies cajun are made out to be stupid hicks and we are far from that. This movie was done with taste and i feel that it captured the true cajun experience.

This movie is outstanding. It's a must-see. It's a must-own. It's a touching Cajun story that sings to the tune of "Sling Blade" and "Of Mice and Men."
It is truly amazing.

I think the most gripping part of it all is that none of what you see in the film exists any longer. The floating homes, the moss, the cypress, the nests of les gros bec - Rita took it all away. She took it away just one month after this film finished shooting. It could very well be the last footage anyone has of this sacred region before it was destroyed.

"Little Chenier: A Cajun Story" offers a way for anyone to see what Cajun country used to be. It is also a fine example of who we are and how we live.

The story is superb. The film itself is a haunting reminder of this part of the bayou no more - this, the bayou we still love.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this film, considering I'm from Louisiana, where the movie was filmed. It definitely tugs at your heart strings. The story line was immaculate. It teaches a lesson of how to treat and how not to treat those with mental challenges. Just because someone is mentally challenged, does not mean that they can't experience all aspects of life like normal people. Pemon's character portrays that very well. Therefore, I suggest those that are interested, you have to watch this film. Thank you.

I pre-ordered my copy. I saw this in a movie theatre in Lake Charles, La. The scenery is great. Some scenes were filmed in my home town. It was great to see many surrounding areas on the big screen. Can't wait for my copy to arrive so I can see this movie again.

Finally a wonderful movie filmed in the great southwest Louisiana instead of New Orleans. Bethany Ashton Wolf definitely pour her heart into the movie. I congratulate her on showing what a beautiful and serene life we had in SW Louisiana and that more than just New Orleans was devastated by hurricanes that fateful year. But most importantly it shows how important family and friends are to us in our "Cajun world" and they we're not just Mardi Gras and hot sauce.

This film made you care about the characters it portrayed and made the world they live in come to life on screen. No histrionics, nothing over the top, just good solid story telling. Very enjoyable.