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Les Héros sont fatigués
1955 Crime / Thriller
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Summary
A former war-time pilot Michel Rivière arrives in the African town of Free City,
hoping to find a buyer for some diamonds he found hidden in his aircraft. He stays
at the hotel run by the despicable Séverin, with whose wife, Manuella, he has an
affair. Rivière manages to find a buyer for his diamonds, Gerke, a former
pilot who served in the German airforce during the war. Things do not turn out as
Rivière had expected, however, and with enemies all around him, he will be lucky
to get out of Free City alive...
Review
War-time heroes reduced to mercenary activities in some remote colonial backwater.
The desperation of a passionate woman to escape a loveless marriage and find some meaning
in her life. A tale of lost idealism, ruthless greed, hopeless dreams... These
are the ingredients which make up Yves Ciampi’s compelling film, Les Héros sont
fatigués, a curious re-working of the film noir in a torrid and exuberant African
setting.
At the same time as being a well-crafted suspense thriller, this is also a dark and perceptive study in human nature. It is surprising how much is revealed about so many of the characters in this film, something which could only be achieved through a combination of an excellent script and some captivating acting performances. The strong cast is headed by Yves Montand and Curd Jürgens, two actors who were renowned at the time for playing tough action heroes, and in this film each actor gives one of his most memorable performances. © James Travers 2001 Write a review for this film... |
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