​FILMS

La Famille Bélier

2015 review number 91:

La Famille Bélier: (Comedy/Drama): 68 out of 100: If you like light, formulaic French movies that don't require you to think too much, you're going to appreciate this more than those who require a dose of action to keep them awake. It's what the French do best...entertain the masses with some wacky, offbeat characters with a protagonist to cheer for.

 

The Belier family could be like any other family with a mother, father and two children except the main difference is that the only person not deaf is teenager Paula (Louane Emera). Obviously she has to communicate through sign language with her mother, Gigi (Karin Viard), father, Rodolphe (François Damiens) and brother, Quentin (Luca Gelberg). Her life changes when she enrols in the school choir and discovers that she has a beautiful singing voice which could take her places.

 

Emera is the star of the film. She has to take on three roles in singing, acting through sign language, and using her voice to communicate which she does with aplomb and grandeur. The most impressive part of her repertoire is her sensational singing voice which will surely garner your attention. You ride with her ups and downs because it's such a winning performance.

 

The support cast especially the actors playing the parents provide the film with much of the humour. Just their facial expressions will have you smiling. There are times however when the story descends into farce when some overacting creeps into their performances.

 

Not everything about the story works. There is a sub-plot involving Rodolphe's attempts to become the local mayor which doesn't really go anywhere. It all comes to a head when he denigrates the town at a meet and greet function then the plot is back on track focusing on Paula's singing pursuits.

 

There are some surprisingly touching moments especially when Paula is singing to her parents. You can see how close-knit a family they are in some of these scenes, even though they appear dysfunctional in the numerous quarrels they engage in. What family doesn't experience any arguments? For that, we can safely say they are a 'normal' family.

 

Because this is a film about music, it's imperative that the songs are listenable. Even though you might not have heard these French songs before, they are catchy and make excellent use of Emera's powerful and exquisite singing voice.

 

Those who are enamoured with French films will appreciate the fun and enjoyment that La Famille Belier brings. Those who haven't seen a French film can begin with a decent offering here. It might not be the best French film released but it mainly achieves its goal of entertaining the audience.

 

Starring Louane Emera, Karin Viard and François Damiens

(106 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language and sexual references

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEgw97vpkDM (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Tuesday 30th June, 2015)

 

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