I suspect I have not even one reason to give this film a 10. It should be 11. I'd love to tell the world this film exists, even when it's been buried for this Century and part of the last one.
There are many stories based on the Big Wars. Stories that look and feel pretty lousy, weak or simply a product of a feverish and not too well informed mind. Let alone "formed". I've seen hundreds of films dealing with both Wars and, in my (not so humble) opinion, French stories are still the best.
Here, we have a simple story. A very simple plot. A very simple idea with only three actors on scene, maybe four. The rest is just the power with which each of them play their part.
The intellectual feat of trying new and unforgettable hairpins in the road may make of this film one of the most remarkable, endurable and long-lasting views on the subject. "Un amour a taire" may be the other one. There may be a heap of them, but I'm not sure if anybody out there has reached this height of beauty and power.
Americans mostly feel awkward when faced with French cinema. But this film is a must-see for Americans... and Germans, and for people who still believe in the goodness of human hearts.
It's silly to recount the story here. But, just to be just, it IS remarkable. Unflinchingly remarkable.
I will just put out a couple of hints: one of the purest smiles you've ever seen on film and, not far from the first one, a mise on scène that will get deep down your skin.
A French-German effort that should have a special place in War films history. And for that matter, in period-film-making.
