Herman: John L. Herman Jr., Author

A Movie Review...

Since this space is mine to fill I get to choose what is written about. Today I want to give you a movie review. About two weeks ago my wife and I saw a preview of YOUNG AT HEART a film that at first glance looks like a “throwaway” project where a British film maker gives tribute to a chorus of elderly people who sing before what seems like family and friends for something to do. Wrong.

First let’s start with the group. In the early 1980’s Bob Cilman, a then late twenty-something guy began a chorus group with singers who are normally rocking in a chair and not rocking up on stage. These were older men and women who loved Classical music and Opera and they came together out of love for that genre. The Director had other ideas. Why not sing some Punk Rock? What about a Rolling Stones Classic? Instead of hearing what you expect to hear when your eyes are staring at your great-grandmother up on stage…you see 92 year old Eileen approach the microphone and screech… “Should I stay or should I go?”, and if that’s not enough you see another aging man spit into the mike…“I feel Good” in a manner that would make James Brown proud.

The film follows seven weeks of rehearsals in preparation of their summer concert tour. They are getting ready in New England to go across the pond to Old England. And the footage shows the now early fiftie-something Director handing out the new songs to learn and add to their playlist for the upcoming shows. You get to know many of the singers’ personal life. For sure you get a view into their health issues which clearly challenge their ability to stay with the group. You get real life stuff here. Nothing is shown mamby-pamby, it is raw and it is wonderful to watch. Because these people embrace the life they have with dignity and a reality we lose for most of our lives. As they near the finish line they know what is coming, fight it off as much as possible, but never fear.

You will love these characters. You will be amazed at their joy for what they do. You will admire and appreciate what the Director of the Chorus brings to their lives, surely taking a toll on his soul, but obviously embellishing his life. Let me thank him here for what he does.

This is a MUST SEE film for everyone. I expected little more than two dark hours sitting next to my wife enjoying my popcorn and coke…and when I left the theater I was a better person for having watched this film. It is that good. See these geezers in sneakers joking like a High School Choir. See the joy in their faces when they gather for the first rehearsals. Watch the dignity they display when life and death collide in their midst. And you will feel better knowing that down the road you too may find a way to spend your time doing more than counting the hours until the grim reaper shows up.

Thank you for a wonderful film. Please go see it and let me know if it touches you the same way.

• Posted: 28 May 2008
• Comments: 0
• Category: Business success

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