The Chorus (2004)

Kernel Score: 86% · 2,574 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Music

Released: 2004-03-17

Runtime: 97 minutes

Is The Chorus worth watching?

Worth watching. A warm French drama about a new teacher who wins over troubled boys at a 1940s boarding school through choir music. It follows a familiar path but does it with sincerity, and the singing is lovely.

Watch it if you

  • like inspiring teacher stories
  • enjoy music woven into the drama
  • want a gentle, feel-good subtitled film

Skip it if you

  • dislike sentimental stories
  • want surprises

Best for: Family night, subtitles ok

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Overview

In 1940s France, a new teacher at a school for disruptive boys gives hope and inspiration.

The Chorus parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that The Chorus is a gentle French drama about a teacher inspiring troubled boys at a strict boarding school through music.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Corporal punishment and harsh discipline are depicted at the boys' reform school, but violence is mild and non-graphic.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Chorus

If you liked The Chorus, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Holdovers (2023) — 86%: Boarding-school teacher story with wit and warmth
  • Billy Elliot (2000) — 88%: Hopeful story about a gifted kid and a mentor
  • Sing Street (2016) — 87%: Feel-good teen story powered by music
  • Begin Again (2014) — 80%: Warm, music-driven story about second chances
  • The Bélier Family (2014) — 78%: Gentle French film about family and music
  • Lemonade Mouth (2011) — 83%: Light, feel-good teen music story

Director

Christophe Barratier

Cast

  • Gérard Jugnot as Clément Mathieu
  • François Berléand as Rachin
  • Kad Merad as Chabert
  • Jean-Paul Bonnaire as Father Maxence
  • Marie Bunel as Violette Morhange
  • Jean-Baptiste Maunier as Pierre Morhange
  • Maxence Perrin as Pépinot
  • Grégory Gatignol as Pascal Mondain
  • Thomas Blumenthal as Corbin
  • Cyril Bernicot as Le Querrec

The Chorus FAQ

Is The Chorus worth watching?

Worth watching. A warm French drama about a new teacher who wins over troubled boys at a 1940s boarding school through choir music. It follows a familiar path but does it with sincerity, and the singing is lovely.

Is The Chorus OK for kids?

The Chorus is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Chorus is a gentle French drama about a teacher inspiring troubled boys at a strict boarding school through music.

What movies are like The Chorus?

If you liked The Chorus, try The Holdovers, Billy Elliot, Sing Street and Begin Again.