A strong sense of nostalgia pervades this remake of the obscure 1945 French film LA CAGE AUX ROSSIGNOLS (THE CAGE OF NIGHTINGALES): not just nostalgia for post-W.W.II France, but for the kind of movie in which supposedly incorrigible mop-tops are rehabilitated by a dedicated teacher (GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS) and his deep love of music (MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS). And surprisingly, there's a lot to enjoy, even as the film quickly surrenders to its sweetest impulses. Following a brief prologue, during which world-renowned conductor Pierre Morhange (Jacques Perrin) embarks on a sentimental journey to his native France to attend his mother's funeral, the action flashes back to 1949....
Released:
2004
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
96 mins