Réalisation:
Volker SchlöndorffPhotographie:
Michel AmathieuMusique:
Jörg LembergActeurs·trices:
André Dussollier, Niels Arestrup, Burghart Klaußner, Robert Stadlober, Charlie Nelson, Jean-Marc Roulot, Stefan Wilkening, Thomas Arnold (plus)VOD (3)
Résumés(1)
La nuit du 24 au 25 août 1944. Le sort de Paris est entre les mains du Général Von Choltitz, Gouverneur du Grand Paris, qui se prépare, sur ordre d'Hitler, à faire sauter la capitale. Issu d'une longue lignée de militaires prussiens, le général n'a jamais eu d'hésitation quand il fallait obéir aux ordres. C'est tout cela qui préoccupe le consul suédois Nordling lorsqu'il gravit l'escalier secret qui le conduit à la suite du Général à l'hôtel Meurice. Les ponts sur la Seine et les principaux monuments de Paris Le Louvre, Notre-Dame, la Tour Eiffel ... - sont minés et prêts à exploser. Utilisant toutes les armes de la diplomatie, le consul va essayer de convaincre le général de ne pas exécuter l'ordre de destruction. (Gaumont)
(plus)Critiques (3)
An absolutely exquisite dialogue-based movie, which focuses not only on my favorite period, but also a specific situation I’m interested in. Niels Arestrup and André Dussollier are both delivering performances that are absolutely out of this world. They’re on opposite sides but they are trying to find common ground. This movie reminded me a lot of The Sunset Limited, which, however, dealt with the topic of faith. Anyhow, the future of Paris is also an interesting premise. And I must say that these 85 minutes were totally worth it!
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I like the premise that most filmmakers approach historical films grandiosely, focusing on battles, and on wars, but in the case of this movie set during World War II, the creators took a different approach. It's actually a very intimate drama, which must look great on stage - the film is also an adaptation of a stage play. But it also shows the strength of the actors and the great dialogues.
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Excellently-written dialogue, excellent directing and outstanding performances by both leads André Dussollier and Niels Arestrup make this conversational drama an unprecedentedly suspenseful spectacle. I would like to thank the creators for the fascinating opportunity to look behind the scenes of the Second World War, as I had no idea about the complexities of what went on in Paris. (80%)
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