Le Ciel est à vous
1944 Drama
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Credits
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Summary
Thérèse Gauthier becomes obsessed with flying when her husband, Pierre,
a World War I pilot, gives her a trial flight at his air club. Abandoning their
comfortable family life and ignoring the hostility of their neighbours, they set about
building an aeroplane which will enable Thérèse to break a long distance
flying record.
Review
Considering that it was made during a bleak and distressing period for France, Le Ciel
est à vous is an astonishingly uplifting film with a message of unfettered
optimism. It is not too difficult to read Grémillon’s allegorical call to
arms behind the rather anodyne tale about a Lindbergh-esque exploit. Although the
film was a commercial failure for Grémillon, it earned a loyal following in some
quarters (principally supporters of the French Resistance). Even in a more cynical
age, the film, with its direct, neorealist cinematography, has the ability to move its
audience, thanks to its simple message about individual heroism and commitment to realising
a shared dream.
© James Travers 2002 Write a review for this film... |
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