The fine directing, acting and cinematography place Coco Before Chanel high on my list of very good films for 2009. In fact, the storyline that's based on fact, held my attention. It has wit, romance and grit.  If you like period-piece films that bring famous characters to life, then make some time to see this fine French film.

Dropped off at an orphanage when she was a child, Coco (Tautou) lived her early years sewing and serving a house full of youngsters like herself. Being very headstrong, as soon as she was old enough, Coco found herself out in the world making a living as a dancer. On one occasion, while working, she meets Etienne Balsan (Poelvoorde), a wealthy Frenchman who owns an estate.

He gets her an audition with a producer, but she fails. Determined to get ahead she shows up on the doorstep of Balsan and a relationship starts. From there she develops her talent, or clothing design, has a menage a trois with Etienne and British subject Arthur Chapel (Nivola), and finally becomes the legendary couturier.

The beauty of this film is the depiction of the story, presentation of France in the early 1900s, and the unique life of Coco Chanel.  The brilliant cinematography helps a lot, as the gorgeous landscapes, party scenes and the estate of Balsan blew me away -- couple this with excellent period costumes, sets and creative lighting.

Tautou, known for her acting in the film Amelie, puts on an equally good performance here, showing the charm and tenacity of Coco. Slowly aging into her character over time, Tautou makes Coco believable and interesting while turning a trollop into a successful aristocrat. In support, Poelvoorde does a superb job of making Balsan fascinating, outgoing and resourceful, portraying both a lover and a father figure to Coco.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A film with a lot of heart and sewing.

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