The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Not on my bingo card for a French musical to give me a rare five star experience. Maybe because it isn’t a musical in the sense I usually think of, as this is more like an opera - one continuous musical composition where singing and score creates and forms every scene. There is a special rhythm to the scenes that clicks in an emotional dramatic way that goes deeper than a recognizable song or tune. The story may be melodramatic, but it was surprisingly unpredictable. Didn’t take the turns I expected - yet everything felt very natural and like the only meaningful way it could develop. The genius lies in the ending, that is somehow one of the most tragic movie endings despite being a happy ending also.
Criterion Challenge 2026 - 13. Song and Dance
Rating: 5