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In Nicholas Hytner’s latest film “The Choral,” the act of assembling talent proves more compelling than the final performance itself – much like the beloved “Ocean’s Eleven” franchise. Set against the backdrop of World War I in northern England, this gentle British drama stars Ralph Fiennes in a quietly powerful exploration of art’s importance during times of national crisis.
The film marks the fourth collaboration between director Hytner and writer Alan Bennett, whose previous works include “The Madness of King George,” “The History Boys,” and “The Lady in the Van.” Their return to Yorkshire delivers a characteristically understated yet emotionally resonant story.
Britain is deep into its second year of devastating warfare when the narrative begins. In the mill town of Ramsden, trains depart with eager volunteers and return with the casualties of war – men missing limbs and eyes, the grim reality of combat etched into their broken bodies.
When the town’s Choral Society loses its choirmaster to military service, Dr. Henry Guthrie (Fiennes) steps in as replacement. His appointment immediately raises eyebrows. Guthrie spent years in Germany, nurturing his passion for the arts. He’s also an atheist and gay, characteristics that make him deeply suspect in this conservative northern community. “Let’s just say I’d prefer a family man,” one resident grumbles, reflecting the prevailing attitudes where even being Catholic draws suspicion.
Guthrie’s first challenge arises when the choir’s planned performance of Bach’s “The St. Matthew Passion” is deemed inappropriate due to its German origin. With Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Handel similarly disqualified, Guthrie suggests Edward Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius” – a safer choice, as Elgar is British.
What follows is reminiscent of classic heist films, where unlikely talent is recruited for a seemingly impossible mission. With so many potential singers away at war, Guthrie scours pubs, hospitals, and bakeries, seeking anyone with vocal ability. When questioned about allowing “riff-raff” into the prestigious choir, he pragmatically responds, “Do you want a choir or do you want a Sunday School?”
Fiennes delivers a masterful performance, portraying Guthrie as a man who demands excellence from his amateur singers while harboring his own vulnerabilities – including concern for a German partner in danger. His performance demonstrates remarkable economy, conveying complex emotions through glances and carefully measured words.
The film expands its scope to explore the young people in the choir, with standout performances from Jacob Dudman and Amara Okereke, plus a noteworthy cameo by Simon Russell Beale. Bennett’s screenplay balances the sacred and profane aspects of their lives with characteristic skill.
A national draft looms over the young men, who feel their futures slipping away. They’re desperate to experience life’s pleasures – champagne, motorcars, seeing the sea – before potentially dying in combat. “I want to live,” one declares poignantly. Sexual desire also features prominently, with many hoping to lose their virginity before deployment. Even as romantic rivalries develop, the film maintains its distinctly British restraint. When a maimed veteran is rejected by his longtime love, his response is simply, “Cheerio, then.”
The performance faces another hurdle when Elgar himself investigates how the choir is adapting his work – which they’ve extensively reimagined. “Art comes out of art,” they tell the composer, leaving audiences to wonder if this justification will suffice.
“The Choral” joins the ranks of beloved British films like “Brassed Off” and “The Full Monty,” which celebrate small-town musical endeavors. Yet it leaves viewers with a bittersweet feeling as trains carrying choir members depart for France, with the unspoken understanding that many won’t return.
Released by Sony Pictures Classics and rated R for language and sexual content, “The Choral” will reach theaters on Christmas Day. With its 108-minute runtime, the film offers a moving testament to art’s enduring power even in humanity’s darkest hours.
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16 Comments
I’m intrigued by this heartfelt WWI drama about the power of music. Fiennes is always a compelling presence on screen. Can’t wait to see how the story explores the role of art during times of national crisis.
Agreed, the intersection of music and wartime is a fascinating premise. It’ll be interesting to see how the film handles that dynamic.
A WWI drama centered on a choral society and the power of music? Sign me up! Fiennes is a fantastic actor, and the creative team behind the film have a proven track record. Really looking forward to seeing how they tackle this unique premise.
Absolutely, the premise is so intriguing. I’m especially curious about the cultural tensions and national loyalties that must have come into play with a German-trained choirmaster leading an English town’s choral group during the war.
A heartfelt WWI drama about the power of music? Count me in! Ralph Fiennes is such a talented actor, and the director/writer team behind the film have a proven track record of thoughtful, nuanced storytelling. I’m really intrigued by the premise of a German-trained choirmaster taking over a town’s choral society during the war – that must have been a fascinating dynamic to explore.
Absolutely, the cultural tensions and national loyalties at play in that scenario are ripe for dramatic exploration. I’m eager to see how the filmmakers handle that backdrop while also highlighting the uplifting power of the choral music.
An understated yet emotionally resonant story set against the backdrop of WWI – sounds like a promising film. I’m curious to see how the writers balance the grim realities of war with the uplifting power of the choral music.
The concept of a town’s choral society losing its choirmaster to the war and a German-trained replacement taking over is rife with dramatic potential. Looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Ralph Fiennes is such a talented actor, I’m sure he’ll deliver a nuanced and powerful performance. The film’s exploration of art’s importance during wartime is an intriguing angle that could really resonate.
Agreed, Fiennes’ involvement is a major draw. The director and writer’s previous collaborations also suggest this will be a thoughtful, well-crafted film.
A gentle British drama about the power of music to uplift during dark times – sounds like exactly the kind of film I’d be interested in watching. The premise of a German-trained choirmaster taking over in a war-torn town is rife with dramatic potential.
Definitely an interesting setup. I’m curious to see how the film handles the cultural tensions and national loyalties that must have been at play in that situation.
This sounds like a thoughtful, nuanced exploration of art’s role in times of crisis. The combination of Fiennes’ talent, the historical setting, and the focus on music is really appealing. Looking forward to seeing how the filmmakers handle the grim realities of war alongside the uplifting power of the choral performances.
Agreed, the premise is quite compelling. I’m also curious to see how the film handles the cultural and political dynamics at play, with a German-trained conductor leading an English town’s choral group during the war.
I’m always drawn to films that explore the human experience during wartime. The combination of Ralph Fiennes and a story about the role of art and music is very appealing. Looks like a thoughtful, nuanced take on a difficult period in history.
Agreed, the depth of character and emotional resonance are key draws here. Can’t wait to see how the filmmakers balance the grim realities of war with the uplifting power of the choral music.