Lucie Aubrac
1997 Drama / War
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Credits
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Summary
This film is based on Lucie Aubrac's novel, which recounts her real-life adventures as
a member of the French Resistance during the Second World War. Lucie Aubrac's husband,
Raymond, is at a meeting of the Resistance when the meeting is raided by Nazi soldiers.
Raymond and his fellow conspirators are arrested and taken to a Nazi prison, where they
are likely to be executed. Lucie is appalled by this news and is prepared to do
anything to save her husband. The film recounts an amazing and daring attempt to
rescue Raymond from certain death.
Review
A well-crafted and moving film in the blockbuster mould that appears to be Claude Berri's
hallmark. Technically, the film is a splendid depiction of war-time France.
The horror and brutality of the Nazi occupation is conveyed quite starkly, but without
ever appearing gratuitous or overly sentimental. It is easy to see where Berri's
sympathies lay, with the deaths of the French Resistance members played up and emphasised
for all it is worth, whilst the slaughter of the young German soldiers in the last part
of the film happens almost without comment.
Daniel Auteuil and Carole Bouquet perform admirably, and one can well imagine that Lucie Aubrac would do just about anything to save her husband. Some of Auteuil's prison scenes are particularly moving. Not quite a great film, largely because the emotion is, as in many of Berri's films, a little too over-dressed and stage-managed to be genuinely felt. However, the film is well-paced, with a fine script, good camera work, and some genuinely touching moments. © James Travers 1999 Write a review for this film... |
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