The Choral

Last night my nephew and I went to see The Choral and it should come as no surprise to anyone that I thoroughly enjoyed a British period drama (my favorite genre of movie) set during World War I (a historical period that fascinates me) about the power of art to heal (one of my favorite themes) starring Ralph Fiennes (one of my favorite actors).  Bernard Duxbury (Roger Allam), an alderman in the Yorkshire town of Ramsden, hopes to revive the Choral Society but many of their members, including their choirmaster, are now at the front.  The committee reluctantly appoints Dr. Henry Guthrie (Fiennes), despite his unpatriotic love of German composers, as the new choirmaster, opens membership to anyone willing to sing no matter their social class, and decides to perform The Dream of Gerontius by Edward Elgar (Simon Russell Beale).  Complications ensue but, when Elgar objects to the changes made to his composition in order to accommodate a wounded soldier who has recently returned home, they lose hope.  However, the power of the music eventually overcomes all obstacles.  This is a slow and gentle movie (my nephew likened to something that would be shown on PBS) but it is ultimately very heartwarming with an incredibly poignant final scene that mirrors the theme of Elgar's oratorio.  I loved how the impact of the war on everyone in the town is portrayed and I was especially struck by two different scenes at the train station in which soldiers go off to war with much fanfare and cheering followed by the more somber arrival of soldiers coming home with devastating injuries.  I also loved a montage showing the various members of the choral society practicing in different locations around town because it shows the unifying influence of the music.  Fiennes gives an incredible performance because he is able to show so many conflicting emotions on his face at the same time, particularly a scene where he simultaneously receives permission from Elgar and news of the probable death of his lover, and I also really enjoyed Amara Okerete as a Salvation Army volunteer who performs a solo because her voice is so angelic (all of the scenes featuring music are outstanding).  Finally, the production design is absolutely beautiful and the costumes are very authentic.  I loved this and recommend it to fans of period dramas.