Sept heures avant la frontière

I wasn't really expecting such a heavy drama from Guns of Darkness. In general, I was only aware of Leslie Caron making comedies. This film features life-or-death situations, and it'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Interestingly enough, she didn't have nice things to say about her costar, David Niven, but they had fantastic chemistry together.

The film starts at a high class party for heads of state, in South America. As it nears midnight, the scene cuts between the party and a group of rebels infiltrating the capital and taking over. The president is shot and replaced with a rebellious leader, and the party guests continue celebrating, unaware of what's going on. Married couple Leslie and David have a strained relationship, and we see a realistic and intimate argument after the party's over.

In the morning, David finds the former president, bleeding and close to death, hiding in the back of his car. He agrees to try and smuggle him out of the country to safety. The rest of the movie is a perilous journey as David, Leslie, and David Opatoshu try to make it across the border undetected. Masterfully directed by Anthony Asquith, who knows what to show and what not to show, there are twists and turns around every corner. Violence, betrayal, secrets, and loyalty all come to the forefront. I would definitely recommend this movie if you enjoy the genre. I don't usually watch gritty revolution movies, but even I was riveted.