Tears came to my eyes several times as the beautiful children of this film learn how to sing Hallelujah. The film show these little boys running, playing and hiking outdoors and then, pivoting into the hallowed halls of the local church to practice their section of vocals. The detail and beauty of this film is so special.
The content of Hallelujah Forever is so endearing, showing a group of young boys as they learn the melody lines that have for 350 years inspired the respect and adoration of millions of listeners. The cinematography is chock full of close ups and establishing shots in churches, play grounds and nature. The primary focus of the film is a boy named Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland who has a face like a playful angel. The camera catches him singing so high and running so very fast -- all while presenting him as an innocent with adorable demeanor. The camera catches all of it! The costumes are documentary clothes. When outside everyone wears active wear. In the choir, robes reflect the uniform of noble grace and hollowed beauty! The sets are simply standard classroom or pristine nature locations. The music underscore is from the film source music, i.e. the final choir performance of Handel's Hallelujah. I especially love it when the boys are singing because their voices are so high and angelic! The choir plays with instruments such as violin, viola, cell, double bass and piano. There are no visual of sound effects in Hallelujah Forever except for a trick played by the editor who elevates the boy singers up into the sky, using a green screen I suppose. It is almost an unnecessary distraction, but a fun idea. Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland, a blond, blue-eyed choir boy is the key subject who is very comfortable in front of the camera singing, playing with his friends and demonstrating suggestions the choir director (Odgeir Kjetilstad's) makes. The other children and adults in the film add context and curiosity to the magic of the film. The writer director, Odveig Klyve is a genius with a heart. She has produced a film that should be seen by everyone. Period. I loved it all. Odveig Klyve has created a masterpiece!
The message is that music in one of life's most important experiences, available to all with the ears and soul to enjoy it. From this one must see the value of having music in the school, on the streets and in the rituals of human life.
I give Hallelujah Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
Tears came to my eyes several times as the beautiful children of this film learn how to sing Hallelujah. The film show these little boys running, playing and hiking outdoors and then, pivoting into the hallowed halls of the local church to practice their section of vocals. The detail and beauty of this film is so special.
The content of Hallelujah Forever is so endearing, showing a group of young boys as they learn the melody lines that have for 350 years inspired the respect and adoration of millions of listeners. The cinematography is chock full of close ups and establishing shots in churches, play grounds and nature. The primary focus of the film is a boy named Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland who has a face like a playful angel. The camera catches him singing so high and running so very fast -- all while presenting him as an innocent with adorable demeanor. The camera catches all of it! The costumes are documentary clothes. When outside everyone wears active wear. In the choir, robes reflect the uniform of noble grace and hollowed beauty! The sets are simply standard classroom or pristine nature locations. The music underscore is from the film source music, i.e. the final choir performance of Handel's Hallelujah. I especially love it when the boys are singing because their voices are so high and angelic! The choir plays with instruments such as violin, viola, cell, double bass and piano. There are no visual of sound effects in Hallelujah Forever except for a trick played by the editor who elevates the boy singers up into the sky, using a green screen I suppose. It is almost an unnecessary distraction, but a fun idea. Viljar Austvoll Hjelmeland, a blond, blue-eyed choir boy is the key subject who is very comfortable in front of the camera singing, playing with his friends and demonstrating suggestions the choir director (Odgeir Kjetilstad's) makes. The other children and adults in the film add context and curiosity to the magic of the film. The writer director, Odveig Klyve is a genius with a heart. She has produced a film that should be seen by everyone. Period. I loved it all. Odveig Klyve has created a masterpiece!
The message is that music in one of life's most important experiences, available to all with the ears and soul to enjoy it. From this one must see the value of having music in the school, on the streets and in the rituals of human life.
I give Hallelujah Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
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