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Synopsis:
While the Nazis occupied most of France in 1944,
19-year-old Jacques Sénéchal
(Vincent Perez) has been active in the
liberation underground. Now that the allies have freed a significant portion of their
country from Allied control, he and his 17-year-old
buddy, Michel Fournier (Matthieu Roze), can join the Free
French Army and fight with them to help bring about the downfall of the German empire.
In the meantime, Michel falls in love with a lovely young
nurse named Chrstiane Mercier (Geraldine Pailhaus), who quickly becomes
pregnant. However, she is actually more attracted to Jacques and the love
triangle thus begins.
*****
"For
Michel, the face of Matthieu Roze came to me quickly. I remembered his frankness in
Michel Legrand's film, Five Days in June. I had a little more problem finding
Jacques until my meeting with Vincent Perez. The tests immediately convinced me that he
had the character and necessary qualities to stick to the character. Jacques and
Michel are friendly during childhood, while coming from different social backgrounds.
Michel is idealistic with his way of engaging in life, in love and in war while
Jacques, because of his education, appears more lucid, even cynical."
...Director Claude Pinoteau
Production Notes: Filming took
place in Besancon, France. The setting of this film was based on the period during WWII between
August 1944 and May 1945. In August 1944, when Paris was liberated, much of France
believed that the war was over. However, it took nine more months of hard combat before
the war ended. It was during the autumn of 1944 that Hitler used the first V1 and V2
missiles and also brought into service the 60-ton "Tiger" tank that proved
superior to the American tanks. It was urgent to end the war. In June 1940, France had to
overcome occupation, oppression, deportations and become a signaturer among the
Allies present at the German surrender on May 8, 1945. This film highlights the courage
and sacrifice of the F.F.I.. However, the filmmakers are not unaware of the courage and
sacrifice of the F.T.P. nor of the Resistance, which contributed in other areas. But,
above all, this film is a history of love and friendship.

Awards:
Geraldine Pailhas won a Cesar for
"Most Promising Actress" for her performance.
Film Festival Screenings:
Sarasota French Film Festival on
November 18, 1991
Seattle International Film Festival on
May 27, 1992
Description: "An epic in the grand manner, this story of a platoon of young
men who fought for the liberation of France in 1944-45 mixes spectacular
battle scenes with more intimate moments. Two childhood friends separated by
class both love the same woman. Director Claude Pinoteau drew upon his own
experiences as a soldier to create this vivid and involving saga." |
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Cast:
Vincent Perez......Jacques
Sénéchal
Geraldine Pailhas.....Christiane Mercier
Alexis
Denisof.....David
Matthieu Roze.....Michael Fournier
Francois Caron.....Poupon
Credits:
Directed by......Claude Pinoteau
Screenplay by.....Daniele Thompson
Cinematography by.....Jean Tournier
Music by.....Vladimir Cosma
Premiered in France on December 11,
1991
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Photos
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