Search - Little Chenier: A Cajun Story on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 10/9/2023...

Once you get past the forced cajun accents of some of the actors and hit the 120X FF for the beginning, the story is pretty good and likely based off some real-life events. Interesting tidbit, this film was made in Louisiana about a month before Hurricane Rita hit in 2005.

Mamie H. (towncar1997) from TAHLEQUAH, OK
Reviewed on 3/26/2011...

I really enjoyed this Movie. It has a couple of tear jerker parts in it but it will keep your attention all the way through. Really good Actors.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Ann M.
Reviewed on 1/19/2011...

An interesting movie about a shrimp fisher who lives w/ his mentally challenged brother. Several interesting conflicts at work. Their poverty, the sheriff's prejudiced son, their abusive come-and-go father, the memory of their mother's abandonment, & the elder brother's pain of losing his girlfriend to the sheriff's son through a sudden marriage. I just wanted to hear cajun, and I was not disappointed. The story was predictable & a little cliche to the genre, but still enjoyable. The ending seem sudden, and the story moves slowly, but I consider it worth the time.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A wonderfully written and filmed story

S. B. Thomas | Idaho | 07/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What makes me love this movie is that, unlike most movies today, this film actually tells a story. How the lives in this small area are intertwined, and how each person's actions have such an effect on the others is beautifully portrayed. I actually cared about these characters and their lives. Maybe that is why it isn't an easy story to hear, especially if you watch the alternate ending, but it is so worth the time. I'll buy this one because it is worth watching more than once, in part for the scenery, but also because there is so much there I'm guessing I'll find more if I watch it again. Even if you're not up to buying this, at least put it at the top of your rental list."

Blu/DVD review of a Cajun artwork...

Steve Kuehl | Ben Lomond, CA | 07/04/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It is not often that a high quality film production comes through the Cajun country to capture the scenery and locale so eloquently. Filming locations were around Little Chenier and numerous parishes surrounding. The absence of destruction is because the film was made just prior to Hurricane Rita. There is no link for the Blu Ray title of this so I will mention it briefly.



The Blu looks incredible for the scenery and vegetation captures. Every time a boat goes through the water channels everything looks so flawless. No special features are included and the sound was mixed down to 2.0. The DVD is worth the purchase for local fans though.



The story is quite simple yet manages to convey a sense of importance for the players involved. A tale of love, betrayal, tragic death and intertwined stories while the simple life passes by in the Cajun country. Two brothers ebb their existence by selling fish bait from their small dock, whilst being watched by the local sheriff for crimes they may or may not have committed. Their best friend, played by Clifton Collins (who is awesome in Dirty - a must see for fans of his) adds the slightly comedic element and semi-protector of the group. Lines are crossed, beautiful topography imagery is interlaced, and locals get their 15 minutes. Performances are forced and the accents slip quite often, but the background is what holds it together.



If you live outside the filming area, this film would still be worth the watch just for the scenery. The DVD has a few deleted scenes and a drastically different alternate ending. Another selling point would have to be the music options. They have transferable songs from the DVD and extra cuts from other artists for download to your computer. The movie is listed online as 120 minutes, but the running time is 100 (110 with deleted) so not sure what was cut.



Be sure to watch the pics of where they filmed immediately followed by a shot of the after effects of Rita - heartbreaking (just prior to credits). Speaking of credits, they are very detailed - and more representative of filming spots than I have seen in any other listings. I wish all films were that precise, kudos to the locals who got their boats and homes listed by name."

Incredibly beautiful movie

Wandaful | Australia | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a truly beautiful film

I learned so much about the Cajun culture - about their passions and beliefs

The story is brilliantly written by Jace Johnson

It's a study of amazing characters, all totally believable, all totally real.

The acting by EVERYONE was superb

The "fornication" scene is one of the funniest and most well written pieces of dialog I have heard in a long time

The scenery was breathtaking

As was the film itself

No wonder Little Chenier won 15 major film festival awards

Including 9 Best Picture awards

An absolute joy and pleasure to watch over and over again"