Review of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) by Matthew S — 27 Jul 2015

For years of my life I had heard my Grandmother talk about her love of this movie. She had an old import soundtrack album. While I liked some of Michel Legrand music, I was too young to appreciate it.

In 2004 the film was re-stored and re-released. I attended with a couple of friends -- and then I "got" what my Grandmother saw in this Cinematic Masterpiece. Aside from the fact that this is a true pop opera -- not a word is spoken -- Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo may not be doing their own singing, but you would be hard-pressed to find two more beautiful young people.

Their bittersweet love story is engaging. It is hard not to get swept up into this masterful and unique film. Within context, Michel Legrand's syrupy pop score begins to take on the aspect of a real opera.

Jean Rabier's brilliantly cinematography of Bernard Evein's production design and the high-end fashions interlace to form a beautiful and unforgettable film.

Jacque Demy's vision is truly visionary. I can watch it over and over again. In fact, I do. The inclusion of this film in Criterion Box set makes it a worthwhile investment.