La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose isn’t exactly a rosier biopic compared to others. After all, this is about Edith Piaf, one of the greatest singers from France, and her life hasn’t been easy, as seen through the non-linear vignettes. Perhaps it’s because of this difficult past that this film somewhat echoes many other biopics. Ultimately, however, La Môme proves to be compelling due to the strength of who portrayed Piaf. Marion Cotillard may not be the voice behind all the songs– some were performed by Jil Aigrot, and others recorded by Piaf herself– but her total transformation in multiple phases of Piaf’s life was quite outstanding. Regardless of its flaws, La Vie en Rose is a beautiful celebration that does well in bringing back interest in her work.

From the mean streets of the Belleville district of Paris to the dazzling limelight of New York's most famous concert halls, Edith Piaf's life was a constant battle to sing and survive, to live and love. Raised in her grandmother's brothel, Piaf was discovered in 1935 by nightclub owner Louis Leplee, who persuaded her to sing despite her extreme nervousness. Piaf became one of France's immortal icons, her voice one of the indelible signatures of the 20th century.