Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Jacques Brel was a genius singer-songwriter-troubador. The Englished off-Broadway adaptation of his work that opened in 1968 was brilliant; it's combination of poetry, music and movement -- all hung on a kind of loose thematic narrative -- had a very broad appeal: It ran for over 7 years. I saw a local semi-professional revival a few years ago that was terrific.That said, a funny thing happened to this production on the way to the movies in 1974. Even with two of the original stars (and adapters), it couldn't avoid the temptation to become some mediocre hybrid of 70s counterculture sensibility and Broadway musical comedy.Counterculture doesn't mean bad. In places the film achieves what it TRIES hard to achieve throughout: a poetic video rendition of the songs. The setting of "Marieke" with a lone singer and a little girl in a cemetery is particularly moving. The director wisely had the three soloists stand stll (against a backdrop of stars) for the grandiose finale of "If We Only Have Love"Adding a clip of Brel himself performing "Ne Me Quitte Pas" was also a master stroke -- but one that exposes the mediocrity of the film production. When I ordered this DVD, I also bought "Infiniment," a great two-CD compilation of Brel singing Brel released in 2003. It's so much more powerful--even if, like me, you have to rely on the supplied translations from the French.Four stars anyway, because the original stage production was so good that it shined through.

I've been a fan of Jacques Brel since I was 12, and this musical since I was 13. When I first saw the movie version almost 6 years ago (when I was 13) it knocked my socks off!! And it still does now. In addition to the very interesting interpretations (the English versions of the songs were written by Eric Blau and Mort Shuman), the 3 talented leads: Joe Masiell, Elly Stone, and the aforesaid Mort Shuman (who all appeared in the stage version at some point), the wacky ensemble, and even some cameos from Grand Jacques himself make this a must watch. Even if you're not a die hard Brel fan like I am, do yourself a favor and check out this film. And even if you don't like the English versions of the songs (some lyrics aren't close to the original French versions), you'll surely appreciate the whimsical (and sometimes tearjerking) performances.

There are some negative things said about this production. In my opinion by pseudo intellectuals who feel superior when they say something nasty. This is a "vintage" production that should be lauded. I find it completely enjoyable, if at times a bit slow. I'm grateful that The American Film Theatre produced this and a few others in a series that, if flawed, led the way to modern videographic productions. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if the series had continued and filmed some of the now "lost" Broadway productions which only live in the memories of a population that is now aging and dying.....we're left with only the paper programs. Enjoy Jacques Brel for what it is --- I love the music, but also appreciate the history. Check it out, you may like it!!

I bought the CD because Gay Marshall was in the revival of the show in New York. And I loved the CD. I bought the DVD with Elly Stone and company because I was curious to see the show in action. I don't think the original was as good as the revival this past year. Maybe it was the way it was filmed, you know too movie-ish, rather than filming a live production of the show. And it didn't seem the cast on the DVD was having any fun. Its okay, but I'd like to see the recent NY company filmed on stage. I think they were having a good time making the CD! Also, I would like to see a company in Las Vegas produce this show. Teri

This is a wonderful film with Jacques Brel's music presented, for the most part, in creative and effectivescenarios, by original cast singers. But my copy was defective for the last three songs, so the seller,Half Price Books' Movies, kindly refunded my money for the product, and did not even ask me to sendback the defective film. So I am very happy with your service re: this transaction. I guess defectivefilms turn up now and then -- one has to expect that. But the work itself -- I own another copysomewhere -- is a very rich film, and most viewers will appreciate it very much, I believe.

I have been waiting for decades for this to be available on CD. I have it on vinyl, and cassette, and now at last I can listen to it wherever and whenever I want. The other recorded versions of the show are OK - but this is by far the best of them, in my opinion.Ellie Stone and Mort Shuman are absolutely the perfect voices for these Brel songs, but most of all I love the rendition of "Ne me Quitte Pas" by Brel himself, in the September years of his life. I have at least four versions of him singing this song and listening to them, as they were recorded over the years, one can feel the changes that age, wisdom, and experience brought to the man. This final version (while he was already suffering from lung cancer, perhaps?) is Brel's anthem and obituary all in one. The power of his fully mature voice, and the emotion in the small catches and phrasing can bring me to tears.

In order to like this movie you have to like the music of Jacques Brel. There is no plot, no instruction, no message to it. It's not like Mamma Mia! where you can at least hear a story and be entertained even if you don't know or like the music of ABBA. I am not saying this to sound critical of it, but only to point out that I think only fans of Brel will find this interesting. I viewed it because this was a show we did when I was in high school and I was reliving the memories of years gone by. There are some catchy songs in it, and if you like Jacques Brel you'll love it. If you're looking for a movie that is just a collection of songs with no plot or theme behind it, then go for it. You'll love it. But it is not your ordinary Broadway musical.

No as spectacular as the original recordings but the recording of a late performance by Jacques Brel himself makes this a must have for any fan. If you like Brel’s music or the musical, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris consider this as something to have.

Great orchestration of the music, genius translation of the lyrics, wild costumes and choreography, and some angelic voices.Seventies culture without the discontinuity, well connected with the post-war European artistic climate. A gem, if only for its ignition of narrow-minded American criticism.

A very insightful production showing the complexities of Jaques Brel's mind. Is shows the futility of war ....always the soldier who suffers not the politicians.A masterpiece of political awareness . Should be part of the school curriculum.

the 20 Century. Be careful with this film it seems bizarre in some way but it isn't. It's Brel's songs and lyrics brought to life in the 1960s with the children (the hippy group in the film) as onlookers. Listen to the lyrics they are a 'cultural translation' not an exact one but that doesn't matter because what is captured is Brel's world, Brel's tragic view, Brel's anger. As the characters move from scene to scene so the era changes and bourgois society is hammered again and again. Superb performances and Elly Stone doesn't sound anything like Piaf just in case you heard that. You have to be a little interested and critical of the 20th Century European society to appreciate this film but it is worth the journey.

Always a winner and filled with almost relationships sprinkled with riskee relationships set in war time caberea

Brilliant. Fast delivery