I must begin by stating that sub-title movies are a lot of work especially when the words disappear before you finish reading them. Sometimes you are so busy reading a movie you hardly get to watch the great acting or you do all that reading for nothing. In these cases I would rather stick to my Kobo. In this film - trust me - this does not apply. I have always loved Edith Piaf's voice and always enjoyed her serious, shy nature. I never would have guessed the experiences of her tragic life. From having a useless mother and even more useless father...some time spent being raised in a brothel.... to falling in love with a married man who was killed on his way to see her....and physical pain and addiction that then follow.
Don't fret I really haven't ruined it....there is so much more to this film. The women who acted the part of Edith was breathtaking at times....you thought Edith was still alive. The lip-sinking was exact. I really have never seen such excellent looping work. I would have loved to have witnessed the outtakes to this film. I must also talk about the way the film was produced - dark - shady - dreary - all great words to describe the somber and tragic story and yet the music so delightful and cheery in it's own way. The supporting actors had little work to do really. You could not take your eyes off this woman for a second. Wondering what she would do next and hoping she would sing again and again.
I was very profoundly touched by her spiritual beliefs and her vision of St. Theresa. I am not aware if Edith really had a visitation form a Saint or if she ever admitted it to anyone but it would not surprise me at all after the aloneness she had to face as a child. In every crisis Edith prayed......it's so simple!!!! She would not go on stage without her cross. She clearly understood who help and guided her life.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone who really wants to understand what keeps people going. What kept her going was one thing and one thing only and she reveals it on the beach while being interviewed by a reporter. A wonderful film about a nothing person that no one loved becoming well adored and loved by thousands. I wouldn't miss it if I were you!!!!!!
