The Bottom Line
Pros
- An inspiring tribute to the spirited senior citizens of the Young@Heart Chorus.
- The choristers not only are great singers--they're fabulous characters with wonderful stories.
- A stirring sountrack with favorite punk, R&B and rock 'n' roll classics.
- Terrific storytelling by director Stephen Walker
Cons
- Not really a con, but the film leaves you wanting more of the singing and stories.
Description
- The rehearsals, hard work and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the choristers' lives culminate in an unforgetable concert.
- Eileen Hall's feisty flirtatiouness is outrageously wonderful, and Steve Martin's zest for life is completely captivating.
- An uplifting encounter with senior citizens who, through their verve, give you a new lease on life--whatever your age!
Guide Review - Young@Heart (2007) - Movie Review
Stephen Walker’s film follows seven of the 24 choristers for several months as they prepare for an upcoming concert, struggling to learn the complex lyrics of new songs like Allen Toussaint’s “Yes We Can Can”--which in their voices ultimately take on tremendous verve and vibrancy.Walker’s narrative voice over helps to create the overall story line by giving us background about the group and filling us in on the details of the leading characters‘ lives. It’s a project he clearly loved working on, and one that he actually came to by accident, when his wife and co-producer, Sally George, bought tickets for a Young@Heart concert in London, England. She thought the show sounded like fun, he was reluctant. But as soon as he saw the group, he knew he wanted to know more about them--and to tell their story.
Choirmaster Bob Cilman plays a big role in the film, too. At once demanding and protective, Climan is very likeable and surprising funny. You feel his frustrations and joy throughout the film, and his relationships with the chorus members are like yours with your family’s elders. It’s very moving to watch the interactions--they‘re very close.
Which makes the film all the more moving when two of the singers pass away suddenly during the rehearsal period, and you see the chorus come to terms with the deaths and go on to perform in honor the memory of their lost colleagues.
It’s wonderful to get to know the choristers up close and personal, and to hear them singing. Eileen Hall, at 92-years of age, belts out her stirring interpretation of The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?,” giving new meaning to the song we know so well. The others are equally stirring.
Young@Heart is a film you’ll want to see time and again, and to share with everyone you love.
