Paris 36

Although French filmmaker Christophe Barratier (Les Choristes) uses poetic license to invent a fictional quarter of 1930s Paris for his gorgeous musical fable of friendship, love and brotherhood, the tale's historical background is accurate enough. The 1936 election of the Popular Front provided hope for the poor and working classes in the midst of the Great Depression, and in the neighborhood of Faubourg three comrades (played by Gérard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Kad Merad) set out to reopen their beloved-but-defunct local music hall Chansonia. Major obstacles in their way include the local mobsters and the burgeoning fascist movement, but their ace-in-the-hole turns out to be a beautiful young singer named Douce, played by Nora Arnezeder. This colorful confection combines musical comedy and backstage romance with the realities of complex and troubled times that talk to us today. Rated PG-13. In French with English subtitles. Also starring Pierre Richard, Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu. Music: Reinhardt Wagner. Lyrics: Frank Thomas. Producers: Jacques Perrin, Nicolas Mauvernay. Writer/Director: Christophe Barratier. (France 2008) 120 min.