World War II was a monumental event in human history, deeply affecting every corner of the globe, including France. The Nazi occupation of France, from 1940 to 1944, and the efforts of the French Resistance have provided a rich backdrop for many films. These narratives explore the themes of bravery, sacrifice, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war. Films about France during WW2 often highlight resistance fighters, the plight of civilians, and the role of the Allied forces in liberating the country. Here is a list of notable films set in France during World War II:
“Charlotte Gray”, 2001
Director: Gillian Armstrong
A romantic drama featuring Cate Blanchett as a Scottish woman who becomes a spy for the British government in France, inspired by her desire to find her beloved, a missing RAF pilot.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, James Fleet, Abigail Cruttenden, Charlotte McDougall, Rupert Penry-Jones, Robert Hands, Tom Goodman-Hill, Michael Fitzgerald, Hugh Ross, Martin Oldfield;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Charlotte Gray” on the website imdb.com
“The Longest Day”, 1962
Director: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, Gerd Oswald, Bernhard Wicki
An epic representation of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The film presents the events from both the Allied and German perspectives, highlighting the operation's massive scale and complexity.
Starring: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, Richard Beymer, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer, Eddie Albert, Bourvil, Irina Demick, Sean Connery;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: war, action, drama, history;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 178 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Longest Day” on the website imdb.com
“Au revoir les enfants”, 1987
Director: Louis Malle
Directed by Louis Malle, this poignant film is based on his own experiences at a boarding school in Nazi-occupied France. It tells the story of a French boy who discovers that his school is hiding Jewish students.
Starring: Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud, François Berléand, François Négret, Peter Fitz, Irène Jacob, Pascal Rivet;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama, war;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Au revoir les enfants” on the website imdb.com
“Suite Française”, 2014
Director: Saul Dibb
Set in 1940, this film explores the life of a French woman awaiting news of her prisoner-of-war husband, who begins a controversial romance with a German soldier living in their home.
Starring: Michelle Williams, Matthias Schoenaerts, Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot Robbie, Eric Godon, Deborah Findlay, Ruth Wilson, Sam Riley, Vincent Doms, Simon Dutton;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, war;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Suite Française” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own unique way, capture the trials, tribulations, and spirit of those in France during World War II. They remind us of the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
In sum, films about France during World War II offer a compelling exploration of resilience, resistance, and the complex nature of human morality in times of conflict. Ranging from the heart-wrenching personal stories in “Au revoir les enfants” to the gritty realism of “L'armée des ombres,” these films provide not only a window into the past but also a mirror reflecting the enduring questions of courage, collaboration, and the cost of freedom. Each narrative, with its unique perspective on the trials faced by individuals and the nation as a whole, contributes to a larger tapestry of memory and understanding. As we engage with these cinematic journeys, we are reminded of the sacrifices made and the indomitable spirit of a people who fought against tyranny. Through the lens of film, the profound complexities and the unyielding spirit of France during World War II are etched into our collective consciousness, challenging us to remember and to honor the legacy of those who lived through these tumultuous times.
