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- 2023
- PG-13
- Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 48 m
- 2023
- PG-13
- Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 48 m
Summary Inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falli...
Directed By: Stephen Williams
Written By: Stefani Robinson
- 2023
- PG-13
- Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 48 m
- 2023
- PG-13
- Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 48 m
Chevalier
67
5.1
Summary Inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falli...
Directed By: Stephen Williams
Written By: Stefani Robinson
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 29 Critic Reviews
67
69% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
31% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 29 Critic Reviews
67
69% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
31% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
History almost erased Joseph Bologne; this film lets him live again.
The movie piles on one damned thing after another, often turning a truly original life story into a Rabelaisian soap opera replete with powdered wigs and violin concertos.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 24 User Ratings
5.1
29% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
46% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
25% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 24 User Ratings
5.1
29% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
46% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
25% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Striking, moving, and bold, "Chevalier" is one of the best-acted and best-directed films to hit theaters in recent years. From its cinematography to its writing to its editing, the movie is a nearly impeccable work that is just as gorgeous and memorable as the story it depicts.
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I really like Chevalier, because of its story about segregation in France when Black people were slaves. I like the violin aspect of it as well.
The story takes place in 18th century Paris and is inspired by the incredible life of composer Joseph Bolognue, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bolognue, rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) and her court.
I really enjoyed the storyline. It is amazing and really shows us what life was like in the 18th century. The pace is intentionally slow and that's what makes it so good. It reminds me **** meal that you would just want to savor. You can really imagine it taking place in your mind. The camerawork is excellent; it makes you feel as if you are in parts of the scene. Production on this film began on September 7, 2021, in Prague, Czech Republic and ended in November 2021. The setting was supposed to take place in France and the sets and locations really look very French. Kelvin Harrison Jr. gives a tour de force performance as Joseph Bolognue / Chevalier. He blew me away with his performance. Samara Weaving’s portrayal of the Queen uses a rude and not too shabby voice and she changes sides like when you flip a light switch. Lucy Boynton, the love interest of Bolognue, seems to be a typical woman who men fall in love with. I didn't feel the inclusion of her as his love interest added much to the storyline. I don't particularly care for the film’s ending, but it does kick off the French revolution.
The message of this film is never try to get rid of a Black man. I give Chevalier 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in movie theaters beginning April 21, 2023. By David E., KIDS FIRST!
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In the end, Chevalier may be more fiction than history, but it’s worthwhile with effective acting, tension (helped by Kris Bowers’ score) and a decadently beautiful production.
The latter half of Chevalier obediently fills the holes of its familiar puzzle. The cast — a wonderful bunch — sustain our interest with their congenial performances. Harrison is especially spry as he balances Saint-Georges’ confidence, jovial comportment and rumored temper.
Chevalier doesn’t match the revolutionary spirit of Joseph Bologne’s life, but there’s still a lot of enjoyment to be taken from seeing a towering figure, long forgotten by history, returned to his rightful place at center stage.
There are hints of greatness in Chevalier, but it’s worthier of polite applause than a standing ovation.
Directed by Stephen Williams with a sense of momentum and fluidity, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this version of Bologne’s life story glides over the most interesting parts.
(Mauro Lanari)
I haven't been too disturbed by anachronisms and forcings to insert the racial claim of today's battle for civil rights into the second half of the French 18th century. To know the true events there are history books and then without such aim I would never have known about this character, who however is not made as interesting as he could have been due to a direction somewhat tending towards anonymous television melodrama.
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This is based on the life of Joseph Bologne, a biracial violinist/composer who rose to fame in Marie Antoinette's court (much of his work was destroyed by Napoleon). The movie starts with an impressive musical showdown between Bologne and Mozart, then the takes a traditional route to tell this incredible true story. He was granted the honorary title of "Chevalier" by the Queen, but his standing in French society becomes complicated as the drama unfolds. Kelvin Harrison Jr. makes a strong impression in the title role. The writing and direction are solid if not by-the-numbers in style and content. As expected, the trappings of the period add some visual appeal. This film serves as a fascinating and well-made history lesson about an outstanding Black man whose story deserves to be appreciated.
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Tried getting into it but it was a challenge. Harrison Jr doesn't do much as a leading man and Weaving feels painfully out of place here. The film asks too much of her and it was too much of an awkward fit to work. It's a by-the-numbers period piece that sticks to a generic formula and it never breaks from that. A film like this is one we've seen done many times over in much better ways. You're not missing out on anything if you skip this.
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Disrepectful to the character with it's anacronic views and delliriums that have no place on a 2020's biopic. The plot pisses on real life events of an individual that is so accomplished but instead of bringing his life challanges and wins to the spotlight, what we see portraited on screen as a clown with a "big talent".
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Awards
Black Reel Awards
• 3 Nominations
Mill Valley Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Cleveland International Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
