This excellent film by Bertrand Tavernier sheds light on an interesting but previously little-regarded chapter in the history of the Second World War. Films in French continued to be made in Nazi-occupied Paris, although under Nazi control. Under the leadership of producer Alfred Greven (BAMBI AWARD winner Christian Berkel (for "Downfall")), who had previously produced "The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes" with Hans Albers and Heinz Rühmann, Continental Film shot from 1941 to In 1944, numerous films that are still among the classics of French cinema today (The Devil's Hand (1942) / The Raven (1943)). Henri Georges Clouzot made his first films in this production company, which was based in Boulogne-Billancourt. The plot follows an assistant director (Jacques Gamblin), who is also active in the Resistance, and a script writer (Denis Podalydes), who staggers from one lover to the next but knows how to avoid following along.
With a running time of just under three hours, the film is a bit too long. You also have to have a certain interest in political history in general and film history in particular. But then you will be richly rewarded with a special film experience.
At the 2002 Berlinale, Jacques Gamblin was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Actor for his role as Jean Devaivre.
The film was shown on ARTE under the original title "Laissez-Passer" and can certainly still be found in the media library.
With a running time of just under three hours, the film is a bit too long. You also have to have a certain interest in political history in general and film history in particular. But then you will be richly rewarded with a special film experience.
At the 2002 Berlinale, Jacques Gamblin was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Actor for his role as Jean Devaivre.
The film was shown on ARTE under the original title "Laissez-Passer" and can certainly still be found in the media library.