realism

The fact that this film’s dialogue is entirely sung, makes it a mandatory viewing. Director Jacques Demy incorporated song and dance in the service not of escape, but of realism. The effect is riveting and profoundly moving.

Everyone should see this for several reasons: Michel Legrand’s score is superbly enchanting; Catherine Deneuve gives an outstanding, convincing and unforgettable performance, probably the best in all her career. And most of all, since, in the real world, not all stories have a happy ending, the director was deft enough to convey that with emotional honesty, magic and maturity.


9/10