Customer Reviews

The Young Girls of Rochefort [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Imagine a Monty Python version of "Bye Bye Birdie", set in France and featuring twin anorexic Ann Margrets; and you will have a good idea of the "look" of "The Young Girls of Rochefort". Then throw in the Hullabaloo dancers with even the males in go-go boots and be prepared to laugh. Which is appropriate because on one level Jacques Demy is gleefully and affectionately satirizing the movie musical tradition. What you are not prepared for is how, after about 40 minutes, you realize that you really like this thing.

It is fast paced, extremely original, and very pretty; ultimately its innate charm just wins you over. At the end you are shocked to find that this silly satire stands alone atop all of Demy's other films. His legacy of optimism, beauty, and unashamed sweetness.

Catherine Deneuve who is usually the 180 degree antithisis of "perky" has to play a lively and fairly out-there young woman. It must have been quite a struggle for Demy to get this much animation from her but her unnatural performance adds to the already surreal feel of this film. I might have cut the scene where she puts something in the oven as it reminds you of that rabbit in "Repulsion".

What is interesting is that early in the story Demy has let you know how his characters will be paired off by the end, then he uses a "ships passing in the night" device to build suspense as the viewer waits for the inevitable that never quite seems to happen. Ultimately everything falls into place and there is a charming resolution.

My only complaint is that I thought Deneuve and Jacques Perrin's "Maxence" should have connected one scene earlier, in the café when he came back to get his sea-bag. This would have made a better montage when cutting between the Dorleac-Kelly and Legrand-Darrieux connections.

The best scene is a great musical montage at the midway point of the film, as the three waiting-to-be-connected story lines are reflected by cuts between three different songs occurring simultaneous in different parts of the town; with the tempo increasing with each cut.

Firstly: this isn't a musical like 'Cherbourg'. It has only a few themes, each belonging to certain people - and you can quickly find out, that people who belong together sing the same tune, only with different words. Which is a charming idea and won me over. And it isn't the kind of fairytale that many Demy's films are. The people move about in a realistic place, doing things that at least remind things that happen in reality, but wearing things that make them and the dancers - who walk by casually and start and stop dancing absent-mindedly - stand out of others. There are very few big dancing scenes here. Even though Gene Kelly is in the cast.

The cast is great: Danielle Darrieux, Francoise Dorleac, Catherine Deneuve, George Charikis, Michel Piccoli, Gene Kelly and Jacques Perrin - with his hair blonde, wearing a sailor costume that looks like the ones little boys wear. They all seem to fit in this story that has nothing to do with real life, just happens in real surroundings. The pastel coloured clothes, the way people move without finding each other, unexpected, haphazard dancers on the streets... Apparently Demy had fun lending musical-like features while still trying to do something else. Deneuve, Dorleac and Darrieux are lovely, of course, the men are all handsome and charming (Charikis should be sold in bottles!) and the music is lovely. This time Legrand made recognizable songs, each belonging to certain people.

The plot? There isn't much to tell about. Two lovely girls, musically talented, are looking for love and a better future, their mother keeps a cafe and remembers the love of her life she rejected because the man had a silly name. The fare brings new people to Rochefort and the girls get a chance to leave, maybe to Paris. But men keep crossing their path...

Oh yes, I love this film. Even though I don't care for musicals that much. Or pure romantic soap. There is something disarming in this one, though it's useless to find great big truths of life or magnificent singers. Perhaps that's what is so charming: these people can hold a tune and dance a bit, but they aren't so good you couldn't do the same thing yourself - if you had the balls to take a few steps or to sing a nice tune as you walk down the street and feel like it.

I suppose I finally fell for this film in the end, when one of the main characters is leaving alone, then gets up on a truck and the theme grows stronger and bigger than ever. The lovers meet, though it isn't shown. And by the way: in my mind it's one of the best themes Legrand ever composed. Enjoy!

The DVD returns The Young Girls of Rochefort to its widescreen format, and for anyone who cares about musicals, this is a must-see. The music score is one of Michel Legrand's best, and the movie pays homage to An American in Paris and other musicals with the presence of Gene Kelly. Here's a film that also uses color creatively. The cast is wonderful--Catherine Deneuve, Francoise Dorleac, Danielle Darrieux, George Chakiris, Grover Dale, Michel Piccoli, Jacques Perrin, and of course, Kelly. The script gets somewhat silly--but there's so much to enjoy. Maybe Donkey Skin will get restored next--another Demy-Legrand gem starring Deneuve and Perrin.

The Young Girls Of Rochefort was made against all odds. It is a musical, and musicals were all wrong back in 66' Musicals is a very american moviegenre, but this one is french. All dialogue is in french, so that could make anyone feel uneasy at first.

However all that is no problem in this film. Most musicals are romantic, and since french is a very romantic language, this movie gets even more romantic. Even the clothes on the actors has a romantic touch (they very terribly out of date when the movie was made)

The songs are written by Michel Legrand, and they are very catchy and joyful. This sure is a important movie in Michel Legrands long career. The colors are brilliant, everything has a soft touch.

Gene Kelly has only a small part in this movie, but he makes it bigger. His dancing skills are as good as ever.

The major characters (Deneuve,Dorleac,Chakiris,Dale) does a good job. Deneuve and Dorleac were sisters in real life, you cant see it, but you might "feel" it. None of them do their own singing,they are all dubbed.

All together, a nice little movie that gave me a lot of fun. An extra plus for the music.

I just had to pitch in on this one. I'm a bit of a film geek, and have watched plenty of them. I'd say this movie is one of my personal favorites - definitely in the top five. No kidding. It serves the vital function of reminding me, when I need to be, that life can be a very good thing. I vastly prefer it to "Umbrellas of Cherbourg," whose relentless, weepy tragedy, not to mention its non-stop music, I find a bit much. This one, I think, while admittedly a production that's bit rougher around the edges than "Umbrellas," was truly Demy's masterpiece. Legrand's score is utterly top-notch - again, on par with "Umbrellas," and, like the movie, more upbeat. And it's brimming with lyrics that are jam-packed with first-rate wit and joy. I actually bought the soundtrack. The folks who don't like this movie likely will either find its admittedly low-budget production odd for their tastes, or balk at the overall fruity Frenchiness of it. Inventing other reasons not to like it - it's trying and failing to be American, etc. - I think is also counterproductive. The key is to let yourself go and, indulge in this over-the-top confection. The first number, "We Are a Pair of Twins," is worth the price of admission. Silly? Maybe, but meanwhile surpassingly brilliant and lovely. Catherine Deneuve is, of course, unbelievable. And there's Michel Piccoli! I know this movie has a cult following in France, and is generally well regarded there, but I believe it deserves an international reputation. Maybe the movie is too much itself - too hopelessly and shamelessly French in taking on the American musical genre - to pass the typical dismal critical hurdles that are required. Well, more power to it. Hopefully, history will catch up with it. The sooner, the better. I do wish they'd do one more restoration and improve the digital transfer, but that's just because I'm such a fanatic about this movie. It's a fine DVD, and quite a bargain, although I'm tempted to pony up for the 2-disc special anniversary edition that's available in France...

This was the second French musical film made with the music of Michel LeGrand (the great French songwriter) and the beautiful blonde French actress, Catherine Deneuve (the tall, stately lady on the back of French currency was also inspired by her profile).

I wish more people knew about this movie because it is really funny , for starters (maybe even unintentionally, but somehow I think the directors and actors were well aware of how "tongue in cheek" they were being). Like its predecessor, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," the dialogue is breathlessly sung (and, of course, breathlessly dubbed by other singers), the plot is light, fluffy and ridiculous. Two twin sisters, Delphine and Solange, own and teach at a dance school for young girls (Delphine and Solange are played by real life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac. Unfortunately, Francoise died in a car accident quite soon after the film was made). We get a glimpse into their lives during a whirlwind weekend when the summer carnival has come to town and love is in the air. The love interests are a young blonde sailor who falls in love with Delphine's likeness in a painting (his "female ideal"--the accompanying song is a hilarious and dizzyingly lovesick), and Andy Miller (Gene Kelly--dubbed over by a jazz singer's voice) who encounters Solange in the street, by chance. Also, let's not forget the appearance of George Chakiris as Etienne, a fancy free carny who basically is living loose and free (and finds time to dance and showcase the newest model of motorcycle during the fair).

This is truly a period piece. Some of the costumes are a real throwback to 1960s mod--complete with go-go boots and tight jeans. The choreography is funky, edgy and definitely not from your grandmother's musicals. (I don't think this would've been Fred Astaire's first choice for a "cross over" film.) Rent this when you want a great escape from the burdens of day to day life. This will definitely lift your spirits!

The Young Girls of Rochefort is the greatest movie musical ever made. That it was French, and that it was made in 1967 were the two reasons I wanted to see it when I first heard of it in 1998. The second the film began I knew this was going to be huge. The colors enthusiastically splashed about the screen as was the music. This was a film which everyone involved enjoyed making and it comes across brilliantly. Demy loved bright colors and loud, brassy music. Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac loved each other as did their characters. George Chakiris was just as great in a light romantic lead as he was in the most intense scences in West Side Story. Gene Kelly seemed right at home in his role. At any age, at any time in any film, he could sweep the ladies off their feet better than anyone on either side of the Atlantic. This is a film which had been in my thoughts almost non-stop for the past three years and this is a film I will watch over and over again - and so will you. Get this today, or as fast as your friendly neighborhood overnight courier can ship.

Rarely have I seen a movie that's main purpose is simply to delight us. Jacques Demy's "The Young Girls of Rochefort" is such a movie. It merely wants to put a smile on our face and light up our hearts, and it succeeds in spades.

Upon its initial release in the United States in 1968 the movie was met with much criticism. How sad this is. Was the 1960s too cynical a time for movie audiences to appreciate a movie as sweet and gentle as this? I doubt it because Demy's "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", released three years earlier, was a smash worldwide hit. It also starred Catherine Deneuve and featured a score by Michel LeGrand, including "Watch What Happens" and "I Will Wait for You", two of the greatest songs ever written. But in 1968 audiences had felt Demy was going to the well once too often. They felt the movie did not retain the magic of the earlier film. Resentment was so strong against this film that Demy's career never fully recovered. Except for "The Donkey Skin" (also with Deneuve) what other film by this director has garnered an audience?

Well believe it or not but I enjoy this film more than "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg". Don't misunderstand me, both films are worth seeing. In fact, if you're in the mood I suggest a double feature night. But the reason I prefer "The Young Girls of Rochefort" is because I felt "Umbrellas" took its story a little too serious. It was about an innocent first love that turns tragic. But "Girls" doesn't take itself serious. It is lighthearted. The joy of the film comes in the music, the costumes, the lavish bright colors, the beautiful women, and the Rochefort landscape. The movie is pure eye candy of the highest order.

Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac (real life sisters) star as the Garnier sisters. Delphine (Deneuve) is a ballet teacher and Solange (Dorleac) is a piano teacher. Each is looking for true love. But in the meantime sing songs to occupy the time.

Michel Piccoli plays Simon Dame a man who was the be married to a woman who was going to have have his baby but decided she could not marry a man with the last name Dame so she left him. He has return back to Rochefort 10 years after they seperate just so he can keep the memories of their love affair and who knows, maybe he'll run into her. Then there's a young painter named Maxence (Jacques Perrin) who has painted the portrait of a girl he has never met but claims she is his ideal woman. Next there is Yvonne Garnier (Danielle Darrieux) Delphine and Solange's mother who thinks about the man who got away. All of these people will find their lives intersect as they journey for true love.

While the story may sound trite or predictable to think such things I feel is to miss the point. The movie isn't so much about it's story but about how we feel as we watch the movie. To watch these people sing and dance and entertain is what makes the movie work. Its story is just an excuse for these people to get together. I think once you view the movie with that mind set it shouldn't disappoint. Perhaps that's what went wrong in 68. People just didn't know what to make of the movie. But whatever other may say about this film I think it's a masterpiece. A sheer joy to watch.

Movies such as this are also a pleasure to watch because of the world they encompass. "The Young Girls of Rochefort" wants to be an old-fashioned Hollywood musical and it transports us to the world of those films with a modern setting. The only thing I didn't like about the film was the choreographer. It reminded me of West Side Story and the work of Jerome Robbins. I also disliked the performances given by Genevieve Thenier and Grover Dale. I felt the movie worked best when it focused on the girls and their song and dance. I also enjoyed Gene Kelly's performance as Andy Miller. A man who comes to Paris to visit an old friend and bumps into the girl he thinks will turn out to be the love of his life. And Kelly knows a thing or two about Paris romances.

Now that "The Young Girls of Rochefort" is available on DVD and vhs I hope people take advantage of seeing this musical masterpiece.

Bottom-line: A Visual knockout. Demy surpasses his work on "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg". This is a movie that primarily exist to put a smile on our face and bring joy to our hearts. I love this movie!

Every now and then it's fun to pick up a video you know nothing about--to not even read the back of it--and just experience it without any preconceptions or media hype.

That's what I did with this movie and I was very pleasantly surprised. It's a very spritely, optimistic, creative piece, about the glories and traumas of youth, of love lost and found, of small-town life, of longing for something beyond what one has.

Not at all realistic-that is one of its attractive points. The bright colors used, the stylized clothing worn, the clean, white-washed look of the town itself all tell you that this is not a story to be taken literally or seriously(lordy help us if it were!), but a fantasy of sorts.The music is fun, as is the dancing (and I'm not really a huge musicals fan, so for me to be saying this is something), and the sixties look pervades.

My only complaint is that it's too long. They could have cut a couple of the numbers to good effect. My theory is that just about everything--be it book, movie, play, whatever--is 20% too long and this one fits that bill.

Still--you'll enjoy it. Sit back, relax, and let this film take you to a more innocent, carefree placewhere the sky is always blue and the people you meet on the street are always happy, or if they're not at the moment, they soon will be.

I came to this movie in the 80s. When it came out I was just in my teens and seeing it years later it brought back memories of the brightness and sparkle of France from my youth in 50s and 60s. It's a very happy and optimistic theme which to some may seem trite. I might be with that group normally, but this film was explodes with hope, colour, life, dance, modernity. Great musical!!