In Cinemas 17th February, 2022
(Reviewed by John Glennie)
A movie, predominantly in French, based on the life of Canadian songstress superstar Celine Dion. Names, places and facts have been changed but, after watching it I read up on Celine Dion, and it is pretty accurate! Obviously with such an extensive career the movie doesn’t cover all of her story, but the key bits certainly are covered.
When Anglomard Dieu marries Sylvette (Danielle Fichaud), he announces that he never wants to have children! This doesn’t quite pan out, and Aline is child number 14 (😳) in a very musical family. She shows exceptional talent at an early age when she sings beautifully at her brother’s wedding. Her brother and mother devise a plan to make a cassette of Aline singing and send it to a promoter. When the latter finally gets around to listening to it (after prompting from the brother), he is astounded and cannot believe this young diva is only 12.
It is not too long before she becomes a sensation amongst French-speaking Canadians. Same as for Celine, Aline is advised by her manager to take a break so as not to get burnt out and to try and improve her appearance. She returns and really hits the big time, producing albums and performing to sell-out concerts. When she develops a throat issue it threatens to end her young career. Her specialist eventually tells her not to speak one solitary word for three months (Celine’s was actually three weeks).
At the end, her voice is back to its stunning best and her career takes off. When she wins an international competition at the tender age of 20, the mutual unspoken affection between her and her significantly older manager, Guy-Claude Kamar (Sylvain Marcel) is revealed. They keep it secret for a while, fearing public perceptions given the age difference. When it is eventually publicized, they are pleasantly surprised by the reaction.
It seems a match made in heaven as lovers, manager – client. After some time on fertility treatments, Aline falls pregnant then has to juggle the emotional rollercoaster of combining performances, interviews and wanting to spend time with her son Junior. After several years of touring and recording, she finds out she is pregnant again with twins. She then has to deal with raising three children along with a successful music career and a few tragedies within family.
I was skeptical about the movie, but have to admit to being very pleasantly surprised. It also opened my eyes to the real story of Celine Dion and have since found it fascinating to read more about her incredible life. I recommend seeing it – there is comedy, drama and some amazing singing to keep you entertained.
Aline is now screening at Palace Nova Eastend and Palace Prospect cinemas.
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