The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Jacques Demy’s haunting romantic musical is an enchanting, one-of-a-kind musical experience. It’s basically a movie operetta, in which the characters sing all the dialogue (or, rather, lyrics–by director Demy) to Michel Legrand’s lovely score. The story spans five years (1957-1962) in the life of Genevi ve (the ethereally beautiful Catherine Deneuve in the role that launched her to international stardom), the teenage daughter of a woman who owns a Cherbourg umbrella shop. After Genevi ve’s boyfriend Guy (Nino Castelnuovo) is drafted and sent off to Algeria, she discovers she’s pregnant … and complications ensue. With its dazzling candy-colored palette, Umbrellas of Cherbourg looks sweet and dreamy. Restored and rereleased in 1995 to rapturous acclaim and the renewed delight of all who got the chance to see it. The video release is taken from the restored version. –Jim Emerson
Customer Review: Vivid Colors and Endless Music
Genevi ve (Catherine Denevue) and her mother (Anne Vernon) live above their shop called The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Genevi ve is in love with Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), a young auto mechanic with dark hair and a dazzling smile. The two date secretly and plan their future together; finally Genevi ve’s mother finds out about her boyfriend. She is unimpressed and warns her of the dangers of young love. Fortunately for her, Guy recieves his draft notice and will be away for two years. After a tearful goodbye, Guy reluctantly leaves with the promise of Genevi ve’s hand when he returns. As the weeks go by, Genevi ve becomes pale and weak. Her stomach begins to expand, revealing Guy’s child growing inside. Her mother insists that Genevi ve marry the jewelry merchant from America (Marc Michel) that has taken a liking to the young blonde, but Genevi ve is reluctant to give up her romance for stability. As times goes by, though, and the separation gets harder, the temptation of wealth gets stronger.
Umbrellas of Cherbourg is completely sung; there is no spoken dialogue like in a traditional musical. It might take some getting used to, but it is worth sitting through. Visually, this is a stunning film. All of the sets are bright and cheerful and are well coordinated to the seasons and moods. In spite of the colorful sets and costumes, this movie is quite depressing. Do not expect that everything will be wrapped up neatly in the end with an extravagant musical number to finish it all off. It is haunting and memorable, a lovely film.
Customer Review: Classic Favorite
I don’t usually like this type of movie, it is sung all the way through, but the music is so haunting, that you will remember it long after the memories of the actual story is gone.
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