Based on the last recording by one of Newfoundland's foremost traditional music performers, Emile Benoit's tender delivery of the 18th century French song is the heart of Vive la rose. The story of unrequited love and tentative obsession throughout the beloved's life, sickness and early death is the narrative focus, accompanied by an emotional interpretation of Benoit's strong Newfoundland French accent and wavering old man's voice. Vive la rose is animation on location, rooting the film in a location that evokes the past, and combines ink drawings with a variety of romantic and associative elements and objects.
Ages 12 to 14
Arts Education - Music
Arts Education - Visual Arts
Geography - Territory: Regional
Before watching this film, use this website to describe the life of an angler/fisherman. List the hardships of anglers on the board. After the video, have the class look at the different symbols used throughout the film and their meaning in relation to the song. Have each student in the class write their own tragic love story.