Young@Heart – Film Review

I originally saw Young@Heart in 2009 at Waterford Film for all and this great film is now available on DVD, stream and download. Young@Heart is the true story of the final weeks of rehearsal for the Young@Heart Chorus in Northampton, MA, USA. Their average age is about 80 and many of the chorus must overcome health adversities to participate. In some cases they have battled heart attacks and cancer, but they still go on. Their choice of music is not what you would expect – singing The Clash, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and even Sonic Youth. 

The Young@Heart group has toured Europe and sang for the King of Norway and this film depicts their preparations for a concert in their home town or Northampton. At some points, it is not certain that this concert will be possible with the chorus being ill etc.

The film is very well shot as a docudrama, however, in parts, the close-ups are way too close. It very funny in parts but also tender and heartbreaking in others as you follow the real lives of those in the chorus. The highlights are one person struggling with the words of James Browns “I Feel Good”. Another highlight is a song which has 71 Can Can Cans. The most poignant was the Coldplay song, “Fix You” sung by Fred Knittle who sadly died on 1st Jan 2009.

The music videos for the real Young@Heart chorus are available on YouTube so have a search online. The film was by More4 films so there is a chance it may also be shown at some point on UK / Cable TV. Look Out for it – well worth a watch

Official Website of the Young@Heart Chorus is http://www.youngatheartchorus.com/

Official Trailer for Young@Heart