Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

The Chorus is genuinely moving—a French period piece about a music teacher who transforms a brutal boarding school through kindness and choral singing. It's got heart, beautiful music, and a 92% audience score for good reason.

But let's be real: this is a subtitled, slow-burn drama from 2004 that feels even older because of its 1940s setting. Most modern kids will bounce off it hard. The ones who stick around need to be strong readers (subtitles throughout), patient with pacing, and interested in character-driven stories over action.

The content is also heavier than you might expect—the headmaster is genuinely cruel, paddling boys and locking a kid in solitary. Boys smoke, swear, and act out. It's all in service of showing the contrast with the compassionate teacher, but Common Sense Media's age-14 recommendation is fair.

If you've got a thoughtful tween or teen who loves music, appreciates foreign films, or is studying teaching/mentorship themes in school, this could be wonderful. For everyone else? It's probably going to be a tough sell, no matter how acclaimed it is.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-16, particularly kids who can handle subtitles and appreciate slower, character-driven stories. The PG-13 content (language, smoking, corporal punishment) and foreign film pacing make it too mature and potentially boring for younger kids. Teens interested in music, teaching, or thoughtful dramas will get the most out of it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Heartwarming story of a compassionate teacher transforming troubled boys through music and kindness. Models patience, mentorship, and redemption. However, depicts corporal punishment by the cruel headmaster and some student misbehavior (smoking, booby traps, foul language). The positive message about human dignity and second chances outweighs the darker elements, which serve to contrast the teacher's approach.

Imaginative

62

Beautiful choral music and nostalgic flashback structure create an evocative atmosphere. The film celebrates artistic expression through singing and shows how music can unlock potential. However, it's a fairly conventional period drama without particularly innovative storytelling—it's more emotionally resonant than creatively groundbreaking.

Safe

72

PG-13 rating is appropriate. Contains moderate profanity, mild violence (paddlings and physical discipline by headmaster), underage smoking, and brief sexual references. No gore, nudity, or graphic content. The violence is contextual (showing the harsh boarding school environment) rather than gratuitous. French with English subtitles creates a natural barrier for very young kids who can't read yet.

Enriching

81

Strong themes about the transformative power of education, art, and compassion. Explores justice vs. punishment, dignity, and how one caring adult can change lives. The contrast between the headmaster's brutality and the music teacher's humanity offers rich ethical discussions. High audience scores (92% RT, 7.8 IMDB) suggest genuine emotional impact. Introduces kids to French cinema and choral music.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Powerful message about compassion over punishment and how one caring teacher can transform lives
Gorgeous choral music throughout—introduces kids to classical singing and French cinema
Strong emotional payoff with high audience ratings (92% on RT); genuinely moving without being saccharine
Great conversation starter about different teaching philosophies and treating people with dignity
Subtitles mean kids practice reading while watching (bonus literacy!)

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What to Watch For

Requires reading subtitles throughout—not suitable for pre-readers or reluctant readers
Depicts harsh corporal punishment (paddlings) by the cruel headmaster, which may be disturbing
Boys smoke cigarettes and use some profanity; brief sexual references
Slow, contemplative pacing—this is not a Marvel movie; modern kids may find it boring
Common Sense Media suggests age 14, though mature 11-12 year olds could handle it

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Monsieur Mathieu's approach worked better than the headmaster's punishments?"
"Have you ever had a teacher who believed in you when others didn't? What did that feel like?"
"The headmaster believed in 'action-reaction'—immediate punishment for every offense. Do you think that's fair or effective?"
"How does music change the boys in the film? Why do you think singing together had that effect?"

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