La Vie en Rose

Édith Piaf may not be a name immediately familiar to those of us on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. But listen to one of her trademark songs—the oft-remade “La Vie en Rose,” or “Je ne Regrette Rien,” for example—and her voice is unmistakable and unforgettable. This is the story behind that voice—and despite its title, it isn’t all rosy. Marion Cotillard couldn’t have done a more magnificent job playing a woman who made the leap from poor street performer to one of France’s most beloved chanteuses. Rocky romances, a troubled family life and a morphine addiction are just a few of the obstacles she faces along the way. The film, accented beautifully with numerous musical performances, follows Édith from her childhood in the streets of Paris to her deathbed. Cotillard and the rest of the cast are nearly flawless, and the music truly brings Édith to life on the screen.