Marion Cotillard delivers an exceptional portrayal of Édith Piaf’s life, charting her journey from childhood spent in a brothel to the development of the complex, inspiring, and ultimately tragic woman who rose to become an internationally recognized star. Her acting is mesmerizing; she embodies the singer's quirks and personality with a raw, empathetic, and believable quality that makes it clear how fragile Piaf’s mental state was, teetering between stability and a final descent into drug use, along with the dangers faced not only by her but also by those who were devoted to her—or less so. The film's length is noticeable, and director Olivier Dahan occasionally presents events in a harsh sequence that requires some adjustment; however, the performances of Pacsal Gregory (as Barrier) and Jean-Pierre Martins (as Cerdan) contribute significantly to the depth of the story, as does the script’s realism. These elements combine effectively to create a narrative that was bound to be challenging from the start. At its heart, this is a film about a singer—and it openly incorporates numerous songs featuring Piaf's own remarkable vocals. I have watched many biographical films, but few reach the level of quality found here.

Source on TMDB