Coco Chanel (2008)

68% of users liked it
(1,928 ratings)

Raised in a Catholic orphanage in provincial France, young Coco Chanel never imagined that her life would one day become an epic story worthy of a Lifetime original movie, full of passionate romance, and trailblazing pioneering in the world of fashion. The movie opens on 1950's Paris, as a 70 year… More Raised in a Catholic orphanage in provincial France, young Coco Chanel never imagined that her life would one day become an epic story worthy of a Lifetime original movie, full of passionate romance, and trailblazing pioneering in the world of fashion. The movie opens on 1950's Paris, as a 70 year old Coco (Shirley MacClaine), now a household name, is embarking on the second wave of her career with her first new collection in over a decade. Soon, a series of flashbacks illustrate how she got to be where she is today, both personally and professionally. Young Coco (played by Barbora Babulova) is seen working tirelessly as a seamstress, showing a unique talent for making garments more flattering and convenient despite her lowly position. Pursued by a rich man named Étienne, she soon leaves the thankless job for the comfort of life as a kept woman, but class differences eventually tear them apart. The relationship gives Coco the chance to perfect her skill as a hatmaker, however, and she leaves Etienne to open her own shop. A new romance with an Englishman named Arthur (known affectionately as "Boy") soon blossoms, and proves to be the greatest happiness and greatest tragedy of her life - but will the effects of this epic tale of love, war, and betrayal eventually prevent the burgeoning fashion maverick from fulfilling her true potential? ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 3 hr.
Directed By: Christian Duguay
Written By: James Carrington, Carla Giulia Casalini
Genres: Drama, Television, Romance

On DVD: Jul 7, 2009
Studio: Screen Media Ventures

Critic Reviews

Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
Also, as with most biopics, the movie does turn into a bit of a puff piece about the subject. In this film, Coco Chanel is always the victim, never the aggressor.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dannielle A

An excellent work of art. Very moving and inspirational. I found myself rooting for Coco as she struggles and works hard to transform herself from a penniless orphan to one of the world's greatest fashion icons of all time. You feel for her so deeply as she longs for love but is… More
An excellent work of art. Very moving and inspirational. I found myself rooting for Coco as she struggles and works hard to transform herself from a penniless orphan to one of the world's greatest fashion icons of all time. You feel for her so deeply as she longs for love but is never quite able to attain it.
Erin C

Pretty similar to the movie "Coco Before Chanel" (2009). There were some slight differences, but the storyline was basically the same. I was hoping to see more of Shirley MacLaine, but this focused more on her younger years. The actress who played Coco in her younger years… More
Pretty similar to the movie "Coco Before Chanel" (2009). There were some slight differences, but the storyline was basically the same. I was hoping to see more of Shirley MacLaine, but this focused more on her younger years. The actress who played Coco in her younger years was very good. Overall, it was interesting enough, but I think "Coco Before Chanel" did just as good of a job at telling the story, and it was shorter.