Chevalier
The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court. Inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
- Released: 2023-04-06
- Runtime: 107 minutes
- Genre: Drama, History
- Stars: Lucy Boynton, Samara Weaving, Alec Newman, Jessica Boone, Alex Fitzalan, Jim High, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ben Bradshaw, Martin Matejcik, Sian Clifford, Minnie Driver, Marton Csokas, Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo, Sam Barlien, Fatou Sohna
- Director: Stephen Williams
Comments
- katiloubser - 2 December 2023
What a disappointment
This GREAT historical figure's story was unfortunately butchered... There was great music and singing as well as lots of drama, but it was not nearly accurate to his history... It was a great disappointment indeed...this is a really great story that needed to be told, unfortunately the people that told the story took to much creative liberty, especially with regards to his childhood.
The one thing I found excellent would definitely be the soundtrack to this movie.
I am hopeful that someone will one day make a better effort at capturing this man's story with more accuracy and with music just as great as this first attempt or even greater, if that could be possible. - andrewpetrouap - 3 August 2023
Less bling, more swordplay please
Bio-pic about a late 18th Century African music genius who lived in revolutionary France as an aristocrat due to royal patronage.
To me personally there was too much emphasis on his "bling and ho's" and way to little about his astonishing swordsmanship.
Perhaps the producers wanted to draw a parallel to modern black music stars, but by not properly exploring his fencing skill and horsemanship the producer left out a huge chunk about why this dexterous champion was so signifigant.
Really, Chevalier was a precursor of great black sportsmen and musicians rolled into one. Perhaps he even scared Napoloeon who reintroduced slavery after realising the potential genetic superior qualities of other dark skinned races. - Goosegirl14 - 2 July 2023
Great insight, but exactly what I expected & no more
I realise a lot of poetic license is used in the storytelling.... i.e. The love story, the relationship between Joseph and Marie Antoinette, as well as other aspects of the plot were constructed for the film. Therefore it isn't (is it ever really possible to?!?) a completely accurate biopic/retelling.
However, the overall historical key points (an illegitimate child, who is a person of colour with massive talent and drive) are reflective of the facts. It was really interesting to get this insight into the French attitudes and how this man was able to gain such status And recognition despite the huge racism and obstacles that he encountered. The acting was brilliant and characters really well drawn/imagined. There was great balance of information and plot.
I can't fault the film in anyway for being what it was- a rather light depiction of the period and events and relationships that may have occurred. This is because it will hopefully mean more people will learn that YES history has been massively white washed and written with bias and agenda. It would be brilliant to see a version of this story that is much grittier and real. But, I appreciate the tone and performances and this version greatly.
