Watch Kids' Reviews of
CHEVALIER

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 of a great 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! Film Critic, age 12

Fascinating story, beautifully constructed. Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s portrayal of Chevalier is impeccable. And Lucy Boynton as Marie Antoinette is equally so. I wanted the story to go on and on, but alas the end was inevitable. The costumes, hair and make-up are exquisite. This must have been a delight for those craftspeople to work on because they really shine here. The sets and locations are also spot on; one feels transported to 1800s France. I loved that Joseph (Chevalier)'s father took him on as a protégé, even though he was his illegitimate son. That showed character. However, he still was restricted in what he could do, due to the color of his skin. Not that it restrained him much, but in the end, the walls came tumbling down just as we expected as we watched him push the boundaries. I was unfamiliar with him before watching this and found it fascinating in so many ways. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. There are some scenes of partial nudity that you should be aware of. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

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. in a tour de force performance) 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.