Movielogr
Grand Illusion (1937)
Directed by Jean Renoir
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Overview
A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal, grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein, who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.
Rated NR | Length 114 minutes
Actors
Jean Gabin | Pierre Fresnay | Erich von Stroheim | Marcel Dalio | Dita Parlo | Julien Carette | Gaston Modot | Georges Péclet | Werner Florian | Jean Dasté | Sylvain Itkine | Jacques Becker | Habib Benglia | Pierre Blondy | Albert Brouett | Georges Fronval | Karl Heil | Carl Koch | Little Peters | Claude Sainval | Michel Salina | Claude Vernier | Geo Forster
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/14/2013 | TV | DVD | Library | 8 stars |
| (Average) 8 stars |
Viewing Notes
Note I left on Ron’s tally: Watched this for the first time tonight and echo your sentiments. Wasn’t on board until the middle third (when they arrive at the “fortress”) but from there it really takes off. I love the anti-war perspective without the manipulation. Also an unconventional Christmas movie!
In addition, I think von Rauffenstein set the mold for many characters to come. The scenes between him and de Boeldieu are among the best in the movie. The final third is really wonderful and the closing shot is outstanding.
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