The Exception

I'm giving this an "8" simply for the fine acting and commanding presence of Christopher Plummer (I keep wanting to say "Sir Christopher Plummer") as the aged but sprightly and opinionated Kaiser Wilhelm II. I'm torn between calling this the most enjoyable silly film, or the silliest enjoyable film, I've seen in a while, but I found it captivating, even though it's almost certainly sheer fiction regarding any historical accuracy. Although I relished the early and frequent appearance of nudity and rampant sex, what I really wanted more of was extra screen time for the Kaiser's extensive wardrobe of military and imperial uniforms. Notable acting props also to Janet McTeer as the Kaiser's consort, and to Eddie Marsan as a glum, coldly business-like Heinrich Himmler.

The Exception works a good premise into a rollicking spy-romance that, once it hits its stride, delivers on both the suspense and the action. In that sense, it's an old-fashioned movie - one that hooks you in, stays just a step ahead and doesn't out-stay its welcome. Christopher Plummer gives a bravura performance as the former Kaiser. Janet McTeer is typically excellent as his wife. And the two young leads are attractive, in and out of their clothes, if no threat to Streep and DeNiro. Okay, so the story doesn't entirely accord with historical fact. Yes, Wilhelm never quite gave up on a restoration of the monarchy. Yes, Hermine actively petitioned the Nazi's on his behalf. But that's about where it ends. In truth, Wilhelm was as much an anti-semite as the Nazis. And the Nazis thought him an old fool, not worth bothering with. Still, it's worth the suspension of disbelief for the duration of the movie.

Much like most of the people who will watch this movie, it caught my eye simply because of my obsession with films based around the war, and this time in history.

This film is not very historically accurate, so if that is important to you, you better stay away. HOWEVER if you do don't much care for historical accuracy, and you are looking for a Nazi War Film with superb acting, then this is DEFINITELY the film for you!

The Acting, wardrobe, and cinematography were all excellent in this movie!

(7/10) - The only reason i am giving this movie a 7/10 is because this movie is somewhat predicable, as is the case for most "Romantic Movies", but it is still an amazing story that i would recommend anyone to watch!

The film is a typical euro meager budget co-production with a nice little plot and the substance of an eclair, but the delight here is viewing Christopher Plummer showcasing his pure love of acting. He has reached legendary dimensions in his ability and he joyously devours each part he gets these days regardless of the material. He has become in many ways someone he played: John Barrymore. Same love of tricks and hypnotic magnetism. But what a joy to behold. If you want a master class in the study of a near 90 year old acting magician see this!

Christopher Plummer is in his old age one of the finest actors the silver screen has ever known. Here he play Kaiser Wilhelm, German emperor in exile in Holland at the onset of World War II. As the suspenseful plot unfolds, his performance draws us into the plight of Germans, including the Kaiser's wife, who began to recognize the evil intentions of the Nazi regime. Reviewers need to remember that this is a movie, the characters are invented, but the point of view is clear and beats the ridiculous premise of films like Inglorious Basterds. Yes folks there were thousands of people who resisted, Germans among them.