A Life Less Ordinary

From the slums of Paris to the limelight of New York City, Edith Piaf's life was a battle to survive, to sing, to love…to live.

La Vie en Rose, told in flashbacks and flash-forwards, juxtaposes the highs and the lows of her life.

The technique complements the film’s larger than life subject matter, and although details are lost in the demanding time travel, it works because what matters always is there: Piaf.

Abandoned by her street singer mother and left by her circus acrobat father in the care of her madam grandmother to be raised in poverty by ladies of the night, it was her incomparable voice that would set apart, save, and ultimately, doom the Little Sparrow.

The petite singer drank too much – elle aimait faire la fête – became addicted to morphine, and died at 47. But in the end, she sang, "Non, je ne regrette rien" ("No, I regret nothing").

You will regret it dearly if you miss this biopic, for it must be seen on the silver screen.

It tells a larger than life story, really, that is made all the more riveting by Marion Cotillard’s tremendous turn. The actress hits all the right notes as Piaf and delivers an exquisite performance worthy of an award.

My Rating ***1/2

Photo: Picturehouse.