"The Grande Illusion" is a French film set during World War I. While the main subject is the plight of French prisoners of war held in Germany, the film also explores themes of class conflict, and the desire to be free and living in one's own country.
Marechal (Jean Gabin) and de Boeldieu (Pierre Fresnay) are pilots shot down by German aristocrat von Rauffenstein (Erich von Stroheim). Taken prisoner, the pilots are introduced to Rauffenstein, who proves a gracious host. They are soon taken to a POW camp in Germany, where prisoners fight the tedium by plotting escapes and even by cross dressing. Eventually, Marechal and de Boeldieu, along with Jewish officer Rosenthal (Marcel Dalio) are re-united with Rauffenstein, now a POW camp commander afflicted with war injuries.
de Boeldieu must decide whether his loyalties lie
with France or with gentlemanly snob von
Rauffenstein. Marechal must reconcile both his
prejudice against Rosenthal and his working class
contempt for white-gloved de Boeldieu. "The Grand
Illusion" also questions whether aristocrats can
survive in the new order emerging from the
tumultous world war.
"The Grand Illusion" is considered by some to be
the best film ever made. While undeniably an
excellent film, IMHO it does not rank among the
very best films. It has been called anti-war, but
it doesn't convey that message as well as "All
Quiet on the Western Front" and "Paths of Glory",
or even "Full Metal Jacket".
The taking, losing and re-capturing of French
cities, while implying the useless waste of
trench warfare, is depicted through second-hand
information, which lacks the visual impact of
seeing soldiers suffering in the field. von
Stroheim's character is remarkably deep and
sympathetic, but this does not apply to the
French officers. Their characters, while
perfectly credible, aren't as deep. Marechal is
most interesting when conversing with a cow, and
Rosenthal when in despair over being abandoned by
Marechal in the German countryside. At other
times, Marechal seems simply an opportunist,
albeit an honest one. (81/100)
World War I French fliers are held captive by a German aristocrat who considers only one of them his equal. Directed by Jean Renoir.More at HotMovieSale.com
This film was the masterpiece that won Jean Renoir enormous acclaim and admiration in the United States. A moving drama about a group of World War I P...More at Buy.com
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