I just saw this movie at the Philadelphia Film Festival. This was an excellent feel good movie. I highly recommend it. It's the type of movie (documentary really) that more Hollywood Studios should make. In the Q&A afterwards, the director commented on how hard it was to get musical releases for the various songs. When you see the movie, you will understand why because the songs were sung by many famous performers and the producers got all of the releases but one, U2's One. During the scene in which one of the characters is in the hospital the scene was supposed to show the character singing One in a past performance interlaced with the current event. Alas, since U2 didn't agree to release the rights, it will never be shown. The director commented that so many people on the production staff would stop in the editing room just to see it. Once you see the movie, you will understand why I say, U2 sucks!
41 Reviews
A unique look at the golden years
jeffreylincoln28 April 2008
This is a movie for people who want to see something real, sometimes uncomfortably so. The senior citizens in this documentary bare their souls to us in ways that make us laugh at some times, and fear for them at others.
Many people, aged or not, cling to their familiar values and preferences. The members of the Young at Heart chorus, with a little prodding, are willing to move out of their comfort zone to tackle unfamiliar musical territory in order to reach out to all generations.
This is a film about about perseverance, humbleness, teamwork, and aging. This documentary grabbed me right out of my seat and pulled me on to the screen. At any given time I was either smiling, laughing, or fighting back tears. Several times I started to stand and applaud, only to realize that I was looking at a movie screen and wasn't actually a member of the concert audience.
I found Young at Heart to be an inspiring film for the young, old, and in between.
Many people, aged or not, cling to their familiar values and preferences. The members of the Young at Heart chorus, with a little prodding, are willing to move out of their comfort zone to tackle unfamiliar musical territory in order to reach out to all generations.
This is a film about about perseverance, humbleness, teamwork, and aging. This documentary grabbed me right out of my seat and pulled me on to the screen. At any given time I was either smiling, laughing, or fighting back tears. Several times I started to stand and applaud, only to realize that I was looking at a movie screen and wasn't actually a member of the concert audience.
I found Young at Heart to be an inspiring film for the young, old, and in between.
Fairy tales can come true if you're young at heart!
jotix1002 June 2008
Stephen Walker magnificent documentary "Young at Heart" is a tribute to life. We are taken to meet a group of senior citizens in Massachusetts that defied staying home and became involved in doing something maybe most of them never thought capable of doing: singing. The chorus, led by Bob Cilman, proves there should not be a limit in whatever a person decides to do with his life, even if it comes this late.
The most interesting thing about this group is the selection of songs included in their repertoire. There is no such thing as interpreting the standard melodies one would associate to them, based on their ages. They tackle contemporary music with a gusto and sophistication that turn their interpretation into a different tune altogether.
The film starts with Eileen Hall, a lady using her cane as support, in a rendition of "Should I Stay, or Should I Go?" giving it a different meaning to what one remembers it to sound when it first was popular. There are also songs such as "I Wanna Be Sedated", a Ramones hit, heard in a new approach. The Pointer Sisters' "Yes, we can can" presents a problem for the many times the word 'can' is repeated during rehearsal. In their performance in front of an audience, the song flows effortlessly. James Brown's "I Feel Good" becomes a disarming duet that has the audience begging for more.
The Young@Heart group deserves all the praise it can get. After all, these are people in their so-called "Golden Years" that have decided to put all their efforts into what they enjoy doing. Stephen Walker has captured the essence of the group, under the intelligent direction of Bob Cilman.
A film highly recommended for everyone because of the positive message it gets across.
The most interesting thing about this group is the selection of songs included in their repertoire. There is no such thing as interpreting the standard melodies one would associate to them, based on their ages. They tackle contemporary music with a gusto and sophistication that turn their interpretation into a different tune altogether.
The film starts with Eileen Hall, a lady using her cane as support, in a rendition of "Should I Stay, or Should I Go?" giving it a different meaning to what one remembers it to sound when it first was popular. There are also songs such as "I Wanna Be Sedated", a Ramones hit, heard in a new approach. The Pointer Sisters' "Yes, we can can" presents a problem for the many times the word 'can' is repeated during rehearsal. In their performance in front of an audience, the song flows effortlessly. James Brown's "I Feel Good" becomes a disarming duet that has the audience begging for more.
The Young@Heart group deserves all the praise it can get. After all, these are people in their so-called "Golden Years" that have decided to put all their efforts into what they enjoy doing. Stephen Walker has captured the essence of the group, under the intelligent direction of Bob Cilman.
A film highly recommended for everyone because of the positive message it gets across.
Young at Heart makes you believe it!
philmck8 April 2008
The premise for this movie sounds a little cloying and frankly wasn't a big draw for me, but I've just seen Young at Heart and I believe! This energetic bunch of septua-, octo- & nona- genarians dive into rock, punk, disco and more, and you'll be surprised what a goldmine they find. Seemingly wacky choices for music to be sung by a choir of oldsters (I Wanna Be Sedated, Golden Years, I Feel Good, Stayin' Alive, etc.), these familiar "youth" oriented songs become revelatory in their hands. Watching them cope with the aging process while making time to rehearse rock is amazing, and it's great fun to get to know all of them in the process. Now I believe that you can be 90 and still be young at heart.
Fantastic Mix Of Humor, Sadness & Inspiration
ccthemovieman-116 October 2008
It may sound like it, but this is no cliché: this movie will make you laugh and cry. It's true.
In a day with so much garbage being put out, this was a refreshing film to view - something true, too. It's a documentary about a group of old-timers (senior citizens, if you will) from Northampton, Mass., who tour and sing rock 'n roll. There is something absurd, outrageous, comical and entertaining about seeing an 89-year-old imitating James Brown and screaming, "I Feel Good!" What we witness in this two-hour documentary is both funny at times, but also sad. Hey, it's reality; life is hard, especially as you get older and older. Some of the members of this group die during the filming of it. The other men and women have to deal with these losses. "The show must on," as the old saying goes, but it's not easy.
The group sings rock standards and stuff that is pretty recent. It's hardly just Brown, the Ramones, Beatles, Bee Gees or Stones songs. It's also these old folks performing Sonic Youth, Coldplay, The Clash and the like.
Of all the members, one can't but be most impressed with the voice of Fred Knittle, who has to sit and sing while having an oxygen tank next to him. His voice is really, really good. Then there is 92-year-old and spunky Eileen Hall and then there six-time cancer patient Joe Benoit, probably the nicest man you'd ever meet. All the people here are interesting.
The more I watched this, the more respect I had for Bob Cilman, who directs this group. That man must have tremendous patience and a big, big heart for older people. It's frustrating when members keep forgetting their lines time and time again, but Bob presses on. He's called a "taskmaster" a few times but the group has great respect for him.
Director Steven Walker does a super job putting this film together, holding some shots and cutting others off just at the right spots so we get the full effect of the humor or drama of a particular situation. Your emotions will run the gamut watching this. The more sentimental you are, the more it will affect you.
If you have a sense of humor and compassion for people, this is one of the few movies I guarantee you will like.
In a day with so much garbage being put out, this was a refreshing film to view - something true, too. It's a documentary about a group of old-timers (senior citizens, if you will) from Northampton, Mass., who tour and sing rock 'n roll. There is something absurd, outrageous, comical and entertaining about seeing an 89-year-old imitating James Brown and screaming, "I Feel Good!" What we witness in this two-hour documentary is both funny at times, but also sad. Hey, it's reality; life is hard, especially as you get older and older. Some of the members of this group die during the filming of it. The other men and women have to deal with these losses. "The show must on," as the old saying goes, but it's not easy.
The group sings rock standards and stuff that is pretty recent. It's hardly just Brown, the Ramones, Beatles, Bee Gees or Stones songs. It's also these old folks performing Sonic Youth, Coldplay, The Clash and the like.
Of all the members, one can't but be most impressed with the voice of Fred Knittle, who has to sit and sing while having an oxygen tank next to him. His voice is really, really good. Then there is 92-year-old and spunky Eileen Hall and then there six-time cancer patient Joe Benoit, probably the nicest man you'd ever meet. All the people here are interesting.
The more I watched this, the more respect I had for Bob Cilman, who directs this group. That man must have tremendous patience and a big, big heart for older people. It's frustrating when members keep forgetting their lines time and time again, but Bob presses on. He's called a "taskmaster" a few times but the group has great respect for him.
Director Steven Walker does a super job putting this film together, holding some shots and cutting others off just at the right spots so we get the full effect of the humor or drama of a particular situation. Your emotions will run the gamut watching this. The more sentimental you are, the more it will affect you.
If you have a sense of humor and compassion for people, this is one of the few movies I guarantee you will like.
A foot stomping, hand clapping kind of thing
Young@Heart
jaredmobarak7 May 2008
I am not one for documentaries or nonfiction as they usually don't allow me to escape inside the film to get a release from the life I'm living. I generally enjoy fiction because of the fantastical and its ability to bring me into a world that I wouldn't otherwise enter. With that said, I can't tell you how surprised I was at how much I enjoyed this chorus of old folks that are truly Young@Heart. Straight from the get-go, this choral troupe inspires, entertains, and just lives life to the fullest. Acting as though they are still in their twentiestaking shots at each other, flirting, and singing their hearts outthe Young at Heart chorus shows its audience what it means to grow old and enjoy every minute of it. Credit filmmaker Stephen Walker for keeping a somewhat unobtrusive eye on the proceedings, infusing himself into the group, joining the family. He says how he has gained 24 or so more grandparents through the process and I would also say they all gained one more grandchild. The comfortability with their documentarian is 100%, allowing this film to inspire us all for the future and show how pure the heart can be.
These elderly crooners are a blast to spend time with. When shown the new songs for an upcoming concert, all have a mixture of excitement and confusion. During the first run-through of Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia" we see fingers going into ears, face-cringes, and what could be described as disgust. However, they all welcome a challenge and although they don't understand the song, nor have a clue at where it's going, they never give up. Credit music director Bob Cilman for having the patience and skill to mold these performers into an act of shear professionalism and entertainment. He knows his group and their abilities, placing certain solo responsibilities on some, duet partnerships on others, always knowing that they will give their all no matter what. At first you may think he is just a vessel for them to have fun, joking around and partaking in the laughs, but as the time gets closer and closer to the performance, Bob shows his taskmaster side. He wants the best show possible and is unafraid to let his singers know it, whether telling them what he needs or threatening to cut a song. The group never falters, though. They take the criticism and run with it. When challenged to come back after Easter with the words to Allen Toussaint's "Yes, We Can Can" fully learned, the Northampton, MA troupe show their mettle and eventually hit it out of the park.
The music is fantastic for sure, I think I may purchase their disc from CDBaby.com before the night is over, but it is really the people involved that shine on screen. Every member is an integral cog to the system and just brimming with life and energy. From Steve "Sexy Beast" Martin and his exuberance, to consummate professional Joe Benoit and his ability to memorize a song in one afternoon, to his best friend and confident driver Len Fontaine, to the flirtatious 92-year-old Eileen Hall, there is no one you won't you love afterwards. Their bond is unbreakable and they all help each other through the good and the bad times. Just to see them dance and move when listening to a new song, performing their dance steps at a prison gig, and unabashedly showing their emotions when tragedy strikes helps show how real they all are. These guys aren't hamming it up for the camera, they truly know how to have fun and aren't afraid to show it.
Despite only taking place during the course of a seven week rehearsal schedule, having a group of people averaging 80-years-old is ripe for life to rear its ugly head. All the good timesthe reunions, the rejuvenation, the singing, dancing, and laughingare countered by devastation. While the film's trailer shows an uproarious good time, and by God it is, don't be caught off-guard for the poignant moments of clarity and sadness. Unfortunately tragedy does strike, sometimes at the most inopportune moments, yet all march on for their fallen comrades, creating a touching portrait of humanity. These moments also bring some of the most powerful songs including a stirring rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You" by returning ex-member Fred Knittle with his Johnny Cash-like baritone.
In the end, though, Young@Heart is really an uplifting tale of perseverance and life at its most simple and pleasurable. This is an internationally traveling chorus, touring Europe each year to complement their US dates. Never afraid to have fun, we are given some snippets of music video style shoots interspersed throughout the film. "Stayin' Alive" is fantastic and during the performance for "Golden Years" one can't help but laugh to the point of tears for Stan Goldman. Go see this film while you can and don't be surprised to see it winning a best documentary Oscar at next year's show. I heard the rumblings that this was becoming quite the phenomenon and now I can say first hand that it is more than that. Young@Heart is something we can all relate with and a film we should see to attain hope for the future and a template for how to live out our retirements, not sulking at home, but out enjoying all the things we did the years past. Maybe life really begins at age 70.
These elderly crooners are a blast to spend time with. When shown the new songs for an upcoming concert, all have a mixture of excitement and confusion. During the first run-through of Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia" we see fingers going into ears, face-cringes, and what could be described as disgust. However, they all welcome a challenge and although they don't understand the song, nor have a clue at where it's going, they never give up. Credit music director Bob Cilman for having the patience and skill to mold these performers into an act of shear professionalism and entertainment. He knows his group and their abilities, placing certain solo responsibilities on some, duet partnerships on others, always knowing that they will give their all no matter what. At first you may think he is just a vessel for them to have fun, joking around and partaking in the laughs, but as the time gets closer and closer to the performance, Bob shows his taskmaster side. He wants the best show possible and is unafraid to let his singers know it, whether telling them what he needs or threatening to cut a song. The group never falters, though. They take the criticism and run with it. When challenged to come back after Easter with the words to Allen Toussaint's "Yes, We Can Can" fully learned, the Northampton, MA troupe show their mettle and eventually hit it out of the park.
The music is fantastic for sure, I think I may purchase their disc from CDBaby.com before the night is over, but it is really the people involved that shine on screen. Every member is an integral cog to the system and just brimming with life and energy. From Steve "Sexy Beast" Martin and his exuberance, to consummate professional Joe Benoit and his ability to memorize a song in one afternoon, to his best friend and confident driver Len Fontaine, to the flirtatious 92-year-old Eileen Hall, there is no one you won't you love afterwards. Their bond is unbreakable and they all help each other through the good and the bad times. Just to see them dance and move when listening to a new song, performing their dance steps at a prison gig, and unabashedly showing their emotions when tragedy strikes helps show how real they all are. These guys aren't hamming it up for the camera, they truly know how to have fun and aren't afraid to show it.
Despite only taking place during the course of a seven week rehearsal schedule, having a group of people averaging 80-years-old is ripe for life to rear its ugly head. All the good timesthe reunions, the rejuvenation, the singing, dancing, and laughingare countered by devastation. While the film's trailer shows an uproarious good time, and by God it is, don't be caught off-guard for the poignant moments of clarity and sadness. Unfortunately tragedy does strike, sometimes at the most inopportune moments, yet all march on for their fallen comrades, creating a touching portrait of humanity. These moments also bring some of the most powerful songs including a stirring rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You" by returning ex-member Fred Knittle with his Johnny Cash-like baritone.
In the end, though, Young@Heart is really an uplifting tale of perseverance and life at its most simple and pleasurable. This is an internationally traveling chorus, touring Europe each year to complement their US dates. Never afraid to have fun, we are given some snippets of music video style shoots interspersed throughout the film. "Stayin' Alive" is fantastic and during the performance for "Golden Years" one can't help but laugh to the point of tears for Stan Goldman. Go see this film while you can and don't be surprised to see it winning a best documentary Oscar at next year's show. I heard the rumblings that this was becoming quite the phenomenon and now I can say first hand that it is more than that. Young@Heart is something we can all relate with and a film we should see to attain hope for the future and a template for how to live out our retirements, not sulking at home, but out enjoying all the things we did the years past. Maybe life really begins at age 70.
Wonderful Documentary and Incredible Story
the-movie-guy7 May 2008
(Synopsis) Over the last 25 years, there has existed a group of senior citizens living in Northampton, Massachusetts, who refuse to let age and ill health get them down. Young@Heart is a documentary based on the lives of the current singing group of 24 senior citizens, brought to the big screen by British filmmaker, Stephen Walker, who saw their performance in London. Young@Heart is not your ordinary singing chorus, because they sing rock, punk, disco, and the average age is 81 with the oldest being 92 year old Eileen Hall. The documentary follows the group over a six-week rigorous rehearsal schedule, plus practicing at home for an upcoming sold out concert in their home town. The group has many songs in their repertoire, but Bob Cilman, the stern but sympathetic chorus director, has added several songs for the new concert. These are not easy for the group to learn such as "Yes We Can," "Schizophrenia" and "I Got You or (I Feel Good)". After several weeks of practice, the group is on their way to the local jail to give a performance, when they learn that one of their members passed away the night before. It is devastating for them, but they have learned that the show must go on. They all pull together and practice even harder to get ready for their evening performance. That night, their concert is a rousing success, and ends with a standing ovation.
(My Comment) This movie is for people who want to see the real thing. Several of the senior citizens in this documentary open up their lives to us. You get to know them in just a few minutes, and you know that they are good people. The songs that they sing are not from their generation, yet they are willing to try something new. The seniors believe the old saying, "Use it or lose it," and that is why they love singing in the chorus. Plus with perseverance and teamwork, they have become part of a second family. I laughed, smiled, tapped my foot, and even shed a few tears during the whole movie. I saw the movie twice: The first time I liked it, and the second time, I loved it. The younger audiences may not get it, but I know the adult audience will understand and love it. Young@Heart is truly an inspirational, entertaining, heart-felt, and wonderful documentary. This is an incredible story that needed to be told. You will absolutely love Fred Knittle's rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You." This is one of those sleeper movies you will hear about. (Fox Searchlight, Run Time 1:47, Rated PG)(10/10)
(My Comment) This movie is for people who want to see the real thing. Several of the senior citizens in this documentary open up their lives to us. You get to know them in just a few minutes, and you know that they are good people. The songs that they sing are not from their generation, yet they are willing to try something new. The seniors believe the old saying, "Use it or lose it," and that is why they love singing in the chorus. Plus with perseverance and teamwork, they have become part of a second family. I laughed, smiled, tapped my foot, and even shed a few tears during the whole movie. I saw the movie twice: The first time I liked it, and the second time, I loved it. The younger audiences may not get it, but I know the adult audience will understand and love it. Young@Heart is truly an inspirational, entertaining, heart-felt, and wonderful documentary. This is an incredible story that needed to be told. You will absolutely love Fred Knittle's rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You." This is one of those sleeper movies you will hear about. (Fox Searchlight, Run Time 1:47, Rated PG)(10/10)
loved movie
megilles200614 May 2008
One of the best I've seen. Ran the gamut of emotions from laughter to tears. Also reinforced the positive power creativity has on the aging process as reinforced by Dr. Gene Cohen in his books: Creative Aging and the Mature Mind
The strong self concepts and ability to relate to the cycles of life in a positive way was extremely refreshing and revitalizing.
I saw people hugging and relating very affectionately to one another after this movie. It lets the viewer know the importance of love, honesty and the fragility of life. Live well, love a lot, and that is what will matter in the end. How to be accepting and positive came through strongly. I am still friends of people who knew my mother and am taking some of them this Saturday to view this film!
The strong self concepts and ability to relate to the cycles of life in a positive way was extremely refreshing and revitalizing.
I saw people hugging and relating very affectionately to one another after this movie. It lets the viewer know the importance of love, honesty and the fragility of life. Live well, love a lot, and that is what will matter in the end. How to be accepting and positive came through strongly. I am still friends of people who knew my mother and am taking some of them this Saturday to view this film!
Great story
billy_edward12 April 2008
I just saw this film and really liked the story. I was touch by some of the comments from the subjects. However I felt this good story was wasted with poor execution and film-making skills. I felt the filmmaker injecting himself into the story was distracting. I just didn't think it was the right film for it. I also thought the camera work could have been much better. I can typically forgive this in most docs if its the only distracting quality of the film. However add the bad VO, bad camera work and rough editing and I think it hurts this incredible story. Its still a good film, but in the right filmmakers hands this film could have been a masterpiece.
A brilliant testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit.
rshepard4279626 April 2008
This movie is not like anything I have seen in years. In Northampton, Massachusetts there exists a group of senior citizens that refuse to take aging sitting down. They sing rock and roll songs with such surprising gusto and élan that even prison inmates stand up and cheer. The play list is especially varied and surprising. The songs range from the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" to James Brown's "I Feel Good." Along the way we get to know a few of them and why they do it. Sad to say, the chorus looses two members during the filming. But the show must go on. And indeed it does. By the end of the movie you will find yourself on your feet and cheering as you choke back your tears. This movie is a brilliant testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
youth with youth
lee_eisenberg9 October 2008
In the supreme story of elderly people who won't let their age get them down, a group of senior citizens in a Massachusetts retirement home form a chorus and perform popular music from the twentieth century. "Young at Heart" is occasionally bittersweet, as some of the members pass away over the course of the documentary. But these men and women, getting on in years, not only do a great job singing Jimi Hendrix and The Clash (among others); they have some really neat things to say about their experiences over the years.
Probably the most awe-inspiring thing that occurs is that the chorus performs in a prison. You have these elderly individuals who look as though they would be afraid to go near the wrong people for fear of getting mugged, but they sing to the inmates and nothing bad happens.
All in all, Stephen Walker made a really good documentary here. I recommend it.
BTW, did you notice that one of the chorus members was named Steve Martin?
Probably the most awe-inspiring thing that occurs is that the chorus performs in a prison. You have these elderly individuals who look as though they would be afraid to go near the wrong people for fear of getting mugged, but they sing to the inmates and nothing bad happens.
All in all, Stephen Walker made a really good documentary here. I recommend it.
BTW, did you notice that one of the chorus members was named Steve Martin?
Rock of Ages; one of the year's best!
george.schmidt19 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
YOUNG AT HEART (2008) ****
Rock of ages
In Stephen Walker's documentary or should I say 'rockumentary' the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who sing rock and roll songs, based in Northhampton, MA, is profiled with breadth and levity showcasing their individual talents as well as performing as an ensemble, as well as their ailments and the living testimony that it is never too late to rock 'n' roll.
Founded by Bob Cilman, a fifty something year old 'kid', originally as a choir specializing in old pop standards, Broadway show tunes and 'old folk' music he came up with the idea over 25 years ago to incorporate classic and contemporary rock staples which became something of a gimmick at first but fully realized as something more: underscoring many of the lyrics with a unique perspective and interpretation by his octogenarian sect (the media age of 80).
Since then the group has barnstormed all over the country and the world and getting much acclaim. Walker films the several weeks of rehearsal for a new gig and Cilman's tough task-master skills at display in attempting to get his singers to hit the right notes, pick up the right beat cues and most importantly now the song cold.
While there are some frustrations felt by Cilman for the most part he is fair and allows his group the time and effort to develop into a finely tuned body that is surprising in the process not only how they are attuned but also how they function.
What is unexpected is the melancholy feel throughout as some of the members fall into bad health situations (sadly two of its key singers pass away before their fated concert the film focuses on) but it is also with plenty of humor, insight of what it means to be elderly but not 'old' and how in the autumn of one's life one can appreciate a new calling (i.e. many of the choir prefer classical music than the genre they are covering).
The true highlights are the short videos interspersed through out the doc including "Stayin' Alive", "I Wanna Be Sedated" and a clever "On the Road To Nowhere", as well as a performance at a state prison to a captive audience.
I was overwhelmed by the professionalism the troupe displayed as 'amateurs' in the old adage "the show must go on" and the true emotional peak is member Fred Knittle's heart- wrenching work on Coldplay's "Fix You" as a suitable eulogy to his fallen comrades; if you don't cry then you are simply made of stone.
I whole-heartedly recommend you to seek this indie doc out and experience rock and roll in its purest form I've seen in a long time: aged yet wise, like a fine wine. One of the year's best.
Rock of ages
In Stephen Walker's documentary or should I say 'rockumentary' the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who sing rock and roll songs, based in Northhampton, MA, is profiled with breadth and levity showcasing their individual talents as well as performing as an ensemble, as well as their ailments and the living testimony that it is never too late to rock 'n' roll.
Founded by Bob Cilman, a fifty something year old 'kid', originally as a choir specializing in old pop standards, Broadway show tunes and 'old folk' music he came up with the idea over 25 years ago to incorporate classic and contemporary rock staples which became something of a gimmick at first but fully realized as something more: underscoring many of the lyrics with a unique perspective and interpretation by his octogenarian sect (the media age of 80).
Since then the group has barnstormed all over the country and the world and getting much acclaim. Walker films the several weeks of rehearsal for a new gig and Cilman's tough task-master skills at display in attempting to get his singers to hit the right notes, pick up the right beat cues and most importantly now the song cold.
While there are some frustrations felt by Cilman for the most part he is fair and allows his group the time and effort to develop into a finely tuned body that is surprising in the process not only how they are attuned but also how they function.
What is unexpected is the melancholy feel throughout as some of the members fall into bad health situations (sadly two of its key singers pass away before their fated concert the film focuses on) but it is also with plenty of humor, insight of what it means to be elderly but not 'old' and how in the autumn of one's life one can appreciate a new calling (i.e. many of the choir prefer classical music than the genre they are covering).
The true highlights are the short videos interspersed through out the doc including "Stayin' Alive", "I Wanna Be Sedated" and a clever "On the Road To Nowhere", as well as a performance at a state prison to a captive audience.
I was overwhelmed by the professionalism the troupe displayed as 'amateurs' in the old adage "the show must go on" and the true emotional peak is member Fred Knittle's heart- wrenching work on Coldplay's "Fix You" as a suitable eulogy to his fallen comrades; if you don't cry then you are simply made of stone.
I whole-heartedly recommend you to seek this indie doc out and experience rock and roll in its purest form I've seen in a long time: aged yet wise, like a fine wine. One of the year's best.
Mild Applause
moutonbear2520 April 2008
British filmmaker, Stephen Walker, admits in the first few moments of Young @ Heart that he fell in love instantly with the Massachusetts chorus of the same name the first time he saw them perform. He wasn't lying. He loved them so much that he followed them around for seven weeks to document their rehearsal process and then edited his footage into a television documentary. As if that wasn't enough love, he has now remade his documentary for theatrical audiences.
While Walker's admiration may seem to border on obsession, it isn't hard to see why the group inspired him so deeply. Young @ Heart is no ordinary singing chorus. The average age of the members is 81 and they don't sing traditional hymns but rather punk classics by The Clash or contemporary rock ballads by Coldplay. A rigorous rehearsal schedule of three sessions a week and hours of private practice culminating in a full two act evening performance to a sold out concert hall would be demanding for trained professionals in their prime. These folks make it all look so easy but that certainly doesn't mean it is as death is always lurking backstage. The whole thing certainly gives new meaning to lyrics like, "Should I stay or should I go?"
Though your heart goes out to the entire Young @ Heart chorus, Walker regrettably fails to inspire his audience the way the chorus does theirs. Ironically, his youth as a filmmaker undermines the experience, inciting only a hearty applause when there was clearly a standing ovation to be had.
While Walker's admiration may seem to border on obsession, it isn't hard to see why the group inspired him so deeply. Young @ Heart is no ordinary singing chorus. The average age of the members is 81 and they don't sing traditional hymns but rather punk classics by The Clash or contemporary rock ballads by Coldplay. A rigorous rehearsal schedule of three sessions a week and hours of private practice culminating in a full two act evening performance to a sold out concert hall would be demanding for trained professionals in their prime. These folks make it all look so easy but that certainly doesn't mean it is as death is always lurking backstage. The whole thing certainly gives new meaning to lyrics like, "Should I stay or should I go?"
Though your heart goes out to the entire Young @ Heart chorus, Walker regrettably fails to inspire his audience the way the chorus does theirs. Ironically, his youth as a filmmaker undermines the experience, inciting only a hearty applause when there was clearly a standing ovation to be had.
Seven weeks till opening night, the trials and triumphs of a chorus of over 70's
danddinmont20 March 2008
JUST saw this film for the SECOND time! Liked it even better! Friends who were also at the screening in unison had just one word for the film...GREAT!
For openers, this is a film about a group of people whose average age is about eighty, during the course of the film which covers slightly less than two months, several of the group die; I won't reveal which ones.
At the age of the groups' members, imminent death is a constant, and the death of fellow member is a sad experience but whether it's due to the legendary New England fortitude of the members, the strength of the group, or the power of the music they are all able to accept the inevitable with equanimity, and return to the task at hand, preparing for a performance.
And what a performance! Several members in interviews state that their favorite type of music is opera, but what they're singing with the group includes James Brown, Jimmy Hendrix and forward...this group is not about nostalgia!
I would have liked more information about the backgrounds of some of the singers, because although they now all reside in Mass., there are reasons, (such as regional accents) to think this was not always thus.
This film will probably end up under the microscopes of gerontologists, who should glean considerable information about the learning abilities, energy and enthusiasm of a group of people not generally noted for these qualities.
For openers, this is a film about a group of people whose average age is about eighty, during the course of the film which covers slightly less than two months, several of the group die; I won't reveal which ones.
At the age of the groups' members, imminent death is a constant, and the death of fellow member is a sad experience but whether it's due to the legendary New England fortitude of the members, the strength of the group, or the power of the music they are all able to accept the inevitable with equanimity, and return to the task at hand, preparing for a performance.
And what a performance! Several members in interviews state that their favorite type of music is opera, but what they're singing with the group includes James Brown, Jimmy Hendrix and forward...this group is not about nostalgia!
I would have liked more information about the backgrounds of some of the singers, because although they now all reside in Mass., there are reasons, (such as regional accents) to think this was not always thus.
This film will probably end up under the microscopes of gerontologists, who should glean considerable information about the learning abilities, energy and enthusiasm of a group of people not generally noted for these qualities.
Forever Young
ferguson-619 April 2008
Greetings again from the darkness. This is about the most fun I have had at a movie in a long time. It is inspirational and heart-felt and emotional and enlightening. This group of elderly people are true entertainers and work hard at their craft.
The documentary approach by director Stpehen Walker at times is intrusive and abrupt, but the charm of the performers overcomes whatever clumsiness the film crew throws out. Choir director Bob Cilman is a pleasure to watch as he really drives the group to reach levels they otherwise wouldn't touch. Watching them try to capture a Sonic Youth song is at times painful, but in the end, redemptive. Even more painful is the "Yes I Can" sequence, but worst of all is watching one poor singer just unable to grasp his lines in the James Brown song "I Feel Good". Luckily, his onstage mishap has no bearing on the performance or his own enjoyment. What a triumphant moment.
The "stars" of the group are the ultra charismatic Eileen Hall. She is 92 years of dynamite! Opening the film belting out "Should I stay or should I go?" is even better when she describes it as a "Crash" song rather than "The Clash". Without a doubt the most touching performance in the film is from the amazing voice and persona of Fred Knittle as he sings Coldplay's "Fix You" in tribute to his recently deceased singing partner.
I dare anyone to keep a dry eye during Dylan's "Forever Young" or not bust out a smile during Bowie's "Golden Years". The video aspects do not take away from the film at all and "Staying Alive" will have you dancing in your seat! This is one of the special few for all ages. It is a must see and may require a little work or patience ... but it is absolutely worth the wait and the trip.
The documentary approach by director Stpehen Walker at times is intrusive and abrupt, but the charm of the performers overcomes whatever clumsiness the film crew throws out. Choir director Bob Cilman is a pleasure to watch as he really drives the group to reach levels they otherwise wouldn't touch. Watching them try to capture a Sonic Youth song is at times painful, but in the end, redemptive. Even more painful is the "Yes I Can" sequence, but worst of all is watching one poor singer just unable to grasp his lines in the James Brown song "I Feel Good". Luckily, his onstage mishap has no bearing on the performance or his own enjoyment. What a triumphant moment.
The "stars" of the group are the ultra charismatic Eileen Hall. She is 92 years of dynamite! Opening the film belting out "Should I stay or should I go?" is even better when she describes it as a "Crash" song rather than "The Clash". Without a doubt the most touching performance in the film is from the amazing voice and persona of Fred Knittle as he sings Coldplay's "Fix You" in tribute to his recently deceased singing partner.
I dare anyone to keep a dry eye during Dylan's "Forever Young" or not bust out a smile during Bowie's "Golden Years". The video aspects do not take away from the film at all and "Staying Alive" will have you dancing in your seat! This is one of the special few for all ages. It is a must see and may require a little work or patience ... but it is absolutely worth the wait and the trip.
Very good documentary
j_mcnaughton5 April 2008
This turned out to be a very enjoyable event. The idea of a group of older men and women getting together to perform rock 'n roll and punk songs is outrageous. Yet they pull it off with some assistance from a younger (late 40's?) musical director. With so many of the performers at a fragile age, you would not think that they could do justice to the music. But they do, in a grand way. There are some pitfalls and sad events along the road that they travel, But the final live concert event that they perform really brings down the house. These are a group of senior citizens that can make you sing along and shout right out. This is worth seeing - and at very least, put it on your must-see list from the rental store!
Things do get better with age
aharmas24 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I dare anyone in the audience to walk out of the theatre with a dry eye. This documentary will crash through your emotional armor with its insightful look at the power of the human spirit. We are soon introduced to the members of a singing group made of senior citizens who perform rock and punk numbers, adding their own personal touches.
In less than two hours, we are treated to emotional, entertaining, and always amusing renditions of tunes by The Bee Gees, The Clash, and Coldplay among others, and everyone of the performances is exuberant, poignant, wonderful, a shot of energy to the souls of the performers and the members of both the screen audience, and most importantly, for those of us sitting in the dark movie theatre.
Not everything is a happy moment, though, because we're after exploring the third act in the lives of many on the screen. This is a vulnerable group, people who have lived, in most cases long lives, and there is very little regret expressed by any of the members of the singing group. In fact, they are inspiring us in most cases, and it is catastrophic when it is soon revealed that we could lose so many of them during key moments in the film. Moreover, we are warned, and we are still feel our hearts break, when tragedy strikes.
Most importantly, the delivery by each of the performers is coloured by each of those events, and the joy, pain, drama, and conflicted emotions by each of the songwriters comes truly alive as the senior citizens performs. "Fix Me", one of the numbers will probably have everyone in the audience running for the shirt sleeves or an extra napkin to dab an unexpected tear.
The documentary explores the sunset in the lives of humans, but it also tells us that life is best when lived fully, with no regrets, appreciating every single minute as it is the last, but never forgetting how frail our existence can truly be. This movie works wonders.
In less than two hours, we are treated to emotional, entertaining, and always amusing renditions of tunes by The Bee Gees, The Clash, and Coldplay among others, and everyone of the performances is exuberant, poignant, wonderful, a shot of energy to the souls of the performers and the members of both the screen audience, and most importantly, for those of us sitting in the dark movie theatre.
Not everything is a happy moment, though, because we're after exploring the third act in the lives of many on the screen. This is a vulnerable group, people who have lived, in most cases long lives, and there is very little regret expressed by any of the members of the singing group. In fact, they are inspiring us in most cases, and it is catastrophic when it is soon revealed that we could lose so many of them during key moments in the film. Moreover, we are warned, and we are still feel our hearts break, when tragedy strikes.
Most importantly, the delivery by each of the performers is coloured by each of those events, and the joy, pain, drama, and conflicted emotions by each of the songwriters comes truly alive as the senior citizens performs. "Fix Me", one of the numbers will probably have everyone in the audience running for the shirt sleeves or an extra napkin to dab an unexpected tear.
The documentary explores the sunset in the lives of humans, but it also tells us that life is best when lived fully, with no regrets, appreciating every single minute as it is the last, but never forgetting how frail our existence can truly be. This movie works wonders.
Exotic Animals
JohnDeSando29 April 2008
It's hard not to like a large group, average age 80, singing punk, blues, and rock 'n roll with enthusiasm in the documentary Young@Heart. Be it Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia" or Cold Play's "Fix You," these seniors are fun to watch in large part because such hip songs are out of place in any room of over 30-year olds. In reality, these old timers are not very good, barely reaching notes or staying in tune. As the saying goes, if they weren't old, they'd never be on stage.
It's distracting to be thinking of how the subjects of this energetic documentary are elderly who would not be expected to be performing. Yet, a good doc shows you things you probably never experienced before, so it is a success, regardless of my suspicions that the performers are being exploited as if they were exotic animals in a zoo.
So I find myself thinking about their survival (two die during the filming, one after it) rather than the music, and the fact that they can memorize their lines rather than create lovely sounds. I become a picky critic who dares to criticize the work of old people and who wouldn't give them a standing ovation if he were at their concert. Now Tony Bennett I might, and there's the difference.
It's distracting to be thinking of how the subjects of this energetic documentary are elderly who would not be expected to be performing. Yet, a good doc shows you things you probably never experienced before, so it is a success, regardless of my suspicions that the performers are being exploited as if they were exotic animals in a zoo.
So I find myself thinking about their survival (two die during the filming, one after it) rather than the music, and the fact that they can memorize their lines rather than create lovely sounds. I become a picky critic who dares to criticize the work of old people and who wouldn't give them a standing ovation if he were at their concert. Now Tony Bennett I might, and there's the difference.
The show must go on...
wickedmikehampton27 December 2019
Not since a dying Freddie Mercury sang, "The show must go on," has that line had as much meaning until the documentary 'Young at Heart.'
Young at Heart is the name for an annual musical featuring a cast whose average age is 80 and eldest is 92. These fans of reserved music such as classical and opera are voluntarily pushed out of their comfort zones to where they sing rock and punk from bands such as The Ramones and Johnny Cash. The documentary follows their rehearsals for the new show and their battles to come to grips with James Brown's 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' and Coldplay's 'Fix You'.
The greatest threats to their preparation is age and sickness (cancer, pneumonia etc.). They joke over how 2 members had previously being read their last rites. When another is asked if she saw a bright light when she almost died, she laughing throws a comeback, "No, I refused to look." There's a blood transfusion, an oxygen tank, hospitalization and death. None of that defeats the goal of living the best you can as much as you can. Young at Heart is very much about life.
Every viewer will no doubt understand and learn the same lesson an audience member stated: "I will never complain about being too tired and too old again."
Young at Heart is the name for an annual musical featuring a cast whose average age is 80 and eldest is 92. These fans of reserved music such as classical and opera are voluntarily pushed out of their comfort zones to where they sing rock and punk from bands such as The Ramones and Johnny Cash. The documentary follows their rehearsals for the new show and their battles to come to grips with James Brown's 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' and Coldplay's 'Fix You'.
The greatest threats to their preparation is age and sickness (cancer, pneumonia etc.). They joke over how 2 members had previously being read their last rites. When another is asked if she saw a bright light when she almost died, she laughing throws a comeback, "No, I refused to look." There's a blood transfusion, an oxygen tank, hospitalization and death. None of that defeats the goal of living the best you can as much as you can. Young at Heart is very much about life.
Every viewer will no doubt understand and learn the same lesson an audience member stated: "I will never complain about being too tired and too old again."
What Could Have Been Sentimental Rubbish Is Really A Quite Compelling Film
Michael-703 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I just saw this film at the opening night of the Philadelphia Film Festival. It's excellent.
This is a documentary about a group of 75-95 year old seniors in a choir called Young @ Heart and we follow them as they rehearse for an upcoming concert. This group has been together for more than 20 years albeit with different people at different times and the unusual thing is their choice of songs. They sing hard rock and roll, R & B, and Punk along with contemporary songs. It is quite interesting to hear The Ramones I Wanna Be Sedated coming from senior citizens. It gives the song a whole new meaning.
Face it; these guys are "Punk" in every way (Thank you Jim Emerson). One of the major attributes of Punk was the intention that anyone could be a rock and roll singer. You didn't need any training or experience, you just needed something to say and the guts to stand up and sing it.
There was a moment near the beginning when I thought the film would turn very twee and just be a sentimental rubbish piece about cute old farts who sing hip songs, but there is something about the actual old folks themselves that belies that stereotype. They are feisty folks, but have no illusions about getting old or their impending mortality. In fact, two people we get to know well die before the big concert and one absolutely lovely old lady is remembered in the credits having died sometime between the editing of the film and its release.
I suppose its inevitable, spend two years with any group of 80 year olds and it is likely that some will die within the next two years. We see the group rehearsing some songs, one of which will be a duet, but the song is turned into a solo after the death of one of the group members who had been fighting ill health for a while.
We actually hear from one of the soon to be deceased as he gets a blood transfusion to help his dangerously low white cell count. He faces us squarely and talks about death and how he is still going to go on singing and that he isn't scared, but then he looks at the camera and says "Did I convince you?' Clearly meaning that he was trying to convince himself. Still I hope I have the kind of sanguine wisdom at my death.
The moment when one of the men sings Coldplay's Fix You as a tribute to their dead colleagues is a heart breaker. But they also have several music video type segments (that are wonderful to such diverse hit songs as The Bee Gee's Stayin Alive, Talking Heads' Road To Nowhere and David Bowie's Golden Years.
The director is a preternaturally cheerful Brit who at first seems quite annoying, but as the film goes on, he lightens up on the extraneous commentary and he never inserts himself into the scenes the way someone like Michael Moore or Nick Broomfield would. I found that made the film more enjoyable although I love the films of Broomfield and Moore. Consider, all cameras and crew interfere with the naturalness of the subject in a documentary, but given a choice, most people prefer the fiction that the filmmakers are not present and are not altering the reality in subtle ways and become affronted when he is visually present.
I think Director Stephen Walker's presence (almost entirely vocal) actually helped get the participants to open up to him. Well done film that will make think differently about aging, as well as the lyrics of The Clash and James Brown. This was one of the most audience friendly films I've seen in a long time that also manages to be compelling and poignant without being overly sentimental.
April 4, 2008
This is a documentary about a group of 75-95 year old seniors in a choir called Young @ Heart and we follow them as they rehearse for an upcoming concert. This group has been together for more than 20 years albeit with different people at different times and the unusual thing is their choice of songs. They sing hard rock and roll, R & B, and Punk along with contemporary songs. It is quite interesting to hear The Ramones I Wanna Be Sedated coming from senior citizens. It gives the song a whole new meaning.
Face it; these guys are "Punk" in every way (Thank you Jim Emerson). One of the major attributes of Punk was the intention that anyone could be a rock and roll singer. You didn't need any training or experience, you just needed something to say and the guts to stand up and sing it.
There was a moment near the beginning when I thought the film would turn very twee and just be a sentimental rubbish piece about cute old farts who sing hip songs, but there is something about the actual old folks themselves that belies that stereotype. They are feisty folks, but have no illusions about getting old or their impending mortality. In fact, two people we get to know well die before the big concert and one absolutely lovely old lady is remembered in the credits having died sometime between the editing of the film and its release.
I suppose its inevitable, spend two years with any group of 80 year olds and it is likely that some will die within the next two years. We see the group rehearsing some songs, one of which will be a duet, but the song is turned into a solo after the death of one of the group members who had been fighting ill health for a while.
We actually hear from one of the soon to be deceased as he gets a blood transfusion to help his dangerously low white cell count. He faces us squarely and talks about death and how he is still going to go on singing and that he isn't scared, but then he looks at the camera and says "Did I convince you?' Clearly meaning that he was trying to convince himself. Still I hope I have the kind of sanguine wisdom at my death.
The moment when one of the men sings Coldplay's Fix You as a tribute to their dead colleagues is a heart breaker. But they also have several music video type segments (that are wonderful to such diverse hit songs as The Bee Gee's Stayin Alive, Talking Heads' Road To Nowhere and David Bowie's Golden Years.
The director is a preternaturally cheerful Brit who at first seems quite annoying, but as the film goes on, he lightens up on the extraneous commentary and he never inserts himself into the scenes the way someone like Michael Moore or Nick Broomfield would. I found that made the film more enjoyable although I love the films of Broomfield and Moore. Consider, all cameras and crew interfere with the naturalness of the subject in a documentary, but given a choice, most people prefer the fiction that the filmmakers are not present and are not altering the reality in subtle ways and become affronted when he is visually present.
I think Director Stephen Walker's presence (almost entirely vocal) actually helped get the participants to open up to him. Well done film that will make think differently about aging, as well as the lyrics of The Clash and James Brown. This was one of the most audience friendly films I've seen in a long time that also manages to be compelling and poignant without being overly sentimental.
April 4, 2008
The power of music is ageless
blott2319-116 January 2022
There isn't a ton to talk about when it comes to the plot/premise of Young@Heart. It is simply a movie about a singing group of senior citizens who have made a choice to sing music that might seem a bit out of character for people their age. From rock-and-roll, to grunge, and even a little alternative rock their director isn't afraid to throw much of anything at them. The film is primarily just sitting in on their practices as they prepare for their next big show, and that is intermingled with some time getting to know the individuals of the group who will be preparing solos for the concert. If I'm perfectly honest there was a good chunk of the first half of the film where I was uncomfortable with it all. When the director brings new songs to them they don't always seem on board with it, and it can often feel like he is not making it an enjoyable experience for them. I was debating for a while whether I would ever be able to come around and like this guy. Later on, I found that there was a heart behind his tough exterior, but it's a slog for at least the first 3rd of the film.
As Young@Heart moves into its second half all of those complaints went away. We start to see the passion that these seniors have for what they are doing, and also how it has become a vital part of their lives. As they start to learn the songs their reluctance goes away and they are willing to fight in order to keep the songs in the show. Of course about halfway through is also when we have come to know many of the men and women of the group, and it's easier to be invested in seeing them succeed. I shed a few tears while watching Young@Heart, because you come to care about the people, and not all of them are able to perform in the final concert. This isn't a movie about the greatest singers in the world, and I could see someone finding their music tedious, but it's the passion they put into singing and joy that they derive from it that is the most important thing. I may not want to listen to a recording of their music, but I appreciate how music has changed their lives and can also change the lives of their audiences.
As Young@Heart moves into its second half all of those complaints went away. We start to see the passion that these seniors have for what they are doing, and also how it has become a vital part of their lives. As they start to learn the songs their reluctance goes away and they are willing to fight in order to keep the songs in the show. Of course about halfway through is also when we have come to know many of the men and women of the group, and it's easier to be invested in seeing them succeed. I shed a few tears while watching Young@Heart, because you come to care about the people, and not all of them are able to perform in the final concert. This isn't a movie about the greatest singers in the world, and I could see someone finding their music tedious, but it's the passion they put into singing and joy that they derive from it that is the most important thing. I may not want to listen to a recording of their music, but I appreciate how music has changed their lives and can also change the lives of their audiences.
The Living End
Michael Fargo4 May 2008
I went to this film almost begrudgingly. The trailer depicted a group of octogenarians singing punk, rock and pop songs that were, perhaps, inappropriate to their generation...and we'd all have a good laugh. While there is laughter here, I would have been better prepared knowing there would be devastating moments in this film that illuminate the human experience for all of us.
While the songs indeed aren't the chosen fare for our seniors, the choice was carefully made to deliver an emotional whollop for the listeners. And they do deliver that ("Staying Alive" has a whole different meaning here than what the BeeGees intended.)
Most of us dread the oncoming debilitation of age. But here we're shown a model of how to face that with not just courage but defiance. That's no small task for a film whose country generally neglects, abandons or warehouses its elderly. And it doesn't even have to be bitter pill. The charm of the individual choir members depicted is almost hard to believe.
Anyone who has spent time among groups of the elderly won't find the usual complaining, small-mindedness or resentments. Most of that can be attributed to the unique talents of the director, Bob Cilman, who refuses to idealize his choir members or accept anything other than the best they can give. Not just as singers, but as human beings.
The oft mentioned moment--illustrated in the trailer--when the group visits a penitentiary is a revelation on many levels. But it's also excruciatingly painful. If you have recently lost an aging parent or grandparent, you might be warned that this film is unflinching in its portrayal of loss. That's not a bad thing; I just wasn't prepared.
Reading some of the comments posted here, I don't agree that anyone has anything to apologize for musically. This is performance art and it is splendid and powerful. I left the theater almost in a state of grace. And that's not what I expected walking in. There are small moments like the brief segment of the choir rehearsing Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" that I'll never forget. Thanks to the filmmakers for documenting this amazing group of people.
While the songs indeed aren't the chosen fare for our seniors, the choice was carefully made to deliver an emotional whollop for the listeners. And they do deliver that ("Staying Alive" has a whole different meaning here than what the BeeGees intended.)
Most of us dread the oncoming debilitation of age. But here we're shown a model of how to face that with not just courage but defiance. That's no small task for a film whose country generally neglects, abandons or warehouses its elderly. And it doesn't even have to be bitter pill. The charm of the individual choir members depicted is almost hard to believe.
Anyone who has spent time among groups of the elderly won't find the usual complaining, small-mindedness or resentments. Most of that can be attributed to the unique talents of the director, Bob Cilman, who refuses to idealize his choir members or accept anything other than the best they can give. Not just as singers, but as human beings.
The oft mentioned moment--illustrated in the trailer--when the group visits a penitentiary is a revelation on many levels. But it's also excruciatingly painful. If you have recently lost an aging parent or grandparent, you might be warned that this film is unflinching in its portrayal of loss. That's not a bad thing; I just wasn't prepared.
Reading some of the comments posted here, I don't agree that anyone has anything to apologize for musically. This is performance art and it is splendid and powerful. I left the theater almost in a state of grace. And that's not what I expected walking in. There are small moments like the brief segment of the choir rehearsing Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" that I'll never forget. Thanks to the filmmakers for documenting this amazing group of people.
If It's Too Loud, You're Too Young!
bburns4 May 2008
A few weeks ago, I spied a headline stating that the oldest Americans are also the happiest. I didn't read the article to see exactly why this is, but I suspect that "Young @ Heart" provides at least a partial answer. In this smile-inducing documentary, we see a group of retirees between the ages of 73 and 92 getting together a few times a week to sing songs they don't know and bond with each other in a way most of us without excessive free time can't conceive of.
Bob Cilman is the the leader of the Young at Hear chorus of Northampton, MA. He is a stern but sympathetic taskmaster who once a year gives the choir new songs to learn--mostly R&B and soul classics from the '60's through the early '70's, and punk & new wave tunes from the mid-'70's to the present. At first this seems funny and weird. The film plays off of this expectation by opening with the oldest choir member doing a deadpan rendition of the Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go", and including a tongue-in-cheek video of the choir's version of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated".
Although most of the songs the choir performs are over-familiar to those of us under 60, the choir members grew up before the dawn of the classic rock era, and aren't familiar with music created after 1959. Their tastes in music range from classical to show tunes, not R&B or punk. But they participate not only for the camaraderie, but to keep their minds limber in their old age. They know as well as anyone that it gets harder to learn the older one gets, and after about 55 or so it becomes impossible unless one acquires good mental habits, such as doing puzzles, journal-writing, or trying to sing songs one doesn't really know. And this is why Cilman chooses the songs he does. The R&B tunes (which the choir members love) are rhythmically complex, but have simple lyrics. And the punk tunes (which the choir members hate) have complex lyrics, but simple rhythms and melodies.
The main focus of the film is the choir's trying to learn three new songs: "Yes We Can" by Allen Toussaint, "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown, and "Schizophrenia" by Sonic Youth. But the emotional core of the film is their learning of a fourth song--"Fix You" by Coldplay--after the deaths of two choir members (a third member died during post-production).
I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout the whole film. And it was a bit jolting to know that in just a few years, the thought of old people singing rock music won't be such a novelty. After all, their repertoire include Allen Toussaint, James Brown, and the Jefferson Airplane--all of whom were born seventy or more years ago. The only bits I didn't like are where director Stephen Walker tries to get a laugh at the expense of the choir: He flirts with a 92-year-old woman and sneers at the driving skills of one of the few choir members who still has his own car.
But overall, this is a tribute to the power of music and friendship to transcend age, infirmity and even mortality to make the end of life worth living. 9 out of 10.
Bob Cilman is the the leader of the Young at Hear chorus of Northampton, MA. He is a stern but sympathetic taskmaster who once a year gives the choir new songs to learn--mostly R&B and soul classics from the '60's through the early '70's, and punk & new wave tunes from the mid-'70's to the present. At first this seems funny and weird. The film plays off of this expectation by opening with the oldest choir member doing a deadpan rendition of the Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go", and including a tongue-in-cheek video of the choir's version of the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated".
Although most of the songs the choir performs are over-familiar to those of us under 60, the choir members grew up before the dawn of the classic rock era, and aren't familiar with music created after 1959. Their tastes in music range from classical to show tunes, not R&B or punk. But they participate not only for the camaraderie, but to keep their minds limber in their old age. They know as well as anyone that it gets harder to learn the older one gets, and after about 55 or so it becomes impossible unless one acquires good mental habits, such as doing puzzles, journal-writing, or trying to sing songs one doesn't really know. And this is why Cilman chooses the songs he does. The R&B tunes (which the choir members love) are rhythmically complex, but have simple lyrics. And the punk tunes (which the choir members hate) have complex lyrics, but simple rhythms and melodies.
The main focus of the film is the choir's trying to learn three new songs: "Yes We Can" by Allen Toussaint, "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown, and "Schizophrenia" by Sonic Youth. But the emotional core of the film is their learning of a fourth song--"Fix You" by Coldplay--after the deaths of two choir members (a third member died during post-production).
I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout the whole film. And it was a bit jolting to know that in just a few years, the thought of old people singing rock music won't be such a novelty. After all, their repertoire include Allen Toussaint, James Brown, and the Jefferson Airplane--all of whom were born seventy or more years ago. The only bits I didn't like are where director Stephen Walker tries to get a laugh at the expense of the choir: He flirts with a 92-year-old woman and sneers at the driving skills of one of the few choir members who still has his own car.
But overall, this is a tribute to the power of music and friendship to transcend age, infirmity and even mortality to make the end of life worth living. 9 out of 10.
We will go on singing
shi61223 December 2008
This is a wonderful documentary film.
I am 61 years old. I am much younger than the chorus members, and I still have a full time job. Even so, however, I can not help seeing myself in them. Every time I see my own picture, I have to realize my hair is going and wrinkles are growing. In the beginning, the audiences applaud a woman of 92 years old, laughing and sheering. I felt like they applaud because of her age only. However, in this age, her figure itself is beautiful.
One who suffer from strong spinal pain, one who had 20 chemo therapies, and one at serious risk of heart disease. Those people challenge difficult rock songs, sing at their best, and entertain the audiences. Isn't this an ultimate form of those who enjoy music?
When one of the members died before the concert, a member said: "If someone fell down during the concert, we would move him to the wing of the stage, and we would go on singing." Even we are young at heart, we can not defeat ages. Even so, we will live current life through. This is the way to live life humanly.
I am 61 years old. I am much younger than the chorus members, and I still have a full time job. Even so, however, I can not help seeing myself in them. Every time I see my own picture, I have to realize my hair is going and wrinkles are growing. In the beginning, the audiences applaud a woman of 92 years old, laughing and sheering. I felt like they applaud because of her age only. However, in this age, her figure itself is beautiful.
One who suffer from strong spinal pain, one who had 20 chemo therapies, and one at serious risk of heart disease. Those people challenge difficult rock songs, sing at their best, and entertain the audiences. Isn't this an ultimate form of those who enjoy music?
When one of the members died before the concert, a member said: "If someone fell down during the concert, we would move him to the wing of the stage, and we would go on singing." Even we are young at heart, we can not defeat ages. Even so, we will live current life through. This is the way to live life humanly.
a truly inspiration story, and very funny
Quinoa19848 June 2008
It would be easy to mock the idea with Young @ Heart: in Northampton, MA, a group of old people (I won't call them senior citizens, they're physically aged) are in a singing group led by a guy thirty years more or less their junior, and the twist is that they sing songs of the classic/hard rock vein, the kinds of songs that when they were first released were more than likely not their cups of tea. They sometimes forget the words, or whole beats or the rhythm, for weeks at a time (one in particular is a shaky bet for performing "I've Got You" from James Brown). Some of them are in ill-health, as is a sad-but-true part of their day to day lives as a possibility to them or their friends. And They end up traveling not just in America but Europe (once even to Norway royalty) to perform their concerts.
But after the first five minutes, this is no mocking American Idol type of affair. This is because there's no stupid reality show contest at the end, or any kind of real goal to be met as part of a fantasy. It's all about self-expression, and as a means to keep one wanting to live day to day. The people in the group have to deal with members of their group (two during just the running time of the film) dying off from their health conditions, and they wouldn't want it any other way than to commit to the old "the show must go on" creedo. What sets Young @ Heart apart from the pack is its understanding of what should be essential to a well-done story of people-getting-ready-for-a-concert story, which is real humor and tragedy with a conscience. There is no real ego with these performers, unlike so many in other movies; the mortal coil is only so far away to get self-absorbed.
So the director Stephen Walker gets us invested in the performers to the point of astonishment. It's not very technically polished- it was shot on video and transferred to film, and not high quality digital video either- but what it lacks in finesse it makes up for with humanism. We meet and care what happens to these folks, be they the 92 year old Eileen Hall who flirts with director Walker, or the talented Joe Benoit who's been through multiple rounds of chemo, or Fred Knittle who is on oxygen support but still wants to perform one last time at the concert, or Lenny who is the only one who can drive other members. Aside from moments that are by hook or crook amusing (if only in moments that are too sweet to be exploitive), or with those nutty music video renditions of songs like "Golden Years", we see the process of the rehearsals, the concerts (one of which, the same day they learn of one member's passing on, at a prison), the pressure of learning complex numbers from the likes of Sonic Youth.
It all builds to such an emotional beat that never falters because the director looks on through the initial oddball appeal of the group and directs his attention at how fragile life is itself. Just knowing that some may have passed on since the film was finished (in fact one of them, the 92 year old, did die before the film was released in the US) is saddening, but somehow the experience of Young @ Heart is overall hopeful. If one can just sing, to put in the discipline and physical and mental work needed to memorize and perform rock and roll songs, then maybe there's some purpose left in those last years. For those who love a story meant to uplift the soul, it's a must-see, if not perfect as a documentary. 9.5/10
But after the first five minutes, this is no mocking American Idol type of affair. This is because there's no stupid reality show contest at the end, or any kind of real goal to be met as part of a fantasy. It's all about self-expression, and as a means to keep one wanting to live day to day. The people in the group have to deal with members of their group (two during just the running time of the film) dying off from their health conditions, and they wouldn't want it any other way than to commit to the old "the show must go on" creedo. What sets Young @ Heart apart from the pack is its understanding of what should be essential to a well-done story of people-getting-ready-for-a-concert story, which is real humor and tragedy with a conscience. There is no real ego with these performers, unlike so many in other movies; the mortal coil is only so far away to get self-absorbed.
So the director Stephen Walker gets us invested in the performers to the point of astonishment. It's not very technically polished- it was shot on video and transferred to film, and not high quality digital video either- but what it lacks in finesse it makes up for with humanism. We meet and care what happens to these folks, be they the 92 year old Eileen Hall who flirts with director Walker, or the talented Joe Benoit who's been through multiple rounds of chemo, or Fred Knittle who is on oxygen support but still wants to perform one last time at the concert, or Lenny who is the only one who can drive other members. Aside from moments that are by hook or crook amusing (if only in moments that are too sweet to be exploitive), or with those nutty music video renditions of songs like "Golden Years", we see the process of the rehearsals, the concerts (one of which, the same day they learn of one member's passing on, at a prison), the pressure of learning complex numbers from the likes of Sonic Youth.
It all builds to such an emotional beat that never falters because the director looks on through the initial oddball appeal of the group and directs his attention at how fragile life is itself. Just knowing that some may have passed on since the film was finished (in fact one of them, the 92 year old, did die before the film was released in the US) is saddening, but somehow the experience of Young @ Heart is overall hopeful. If one can just sing, to put in the discipline and physical and mental work needed to memorize and perform rock and roll songs, then maybe there's some purpose left in those last years. For those who love a story meant to uplift the soul, it's a must-see, if not perfect as a documentary. 9.5/10
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