An unexpected role for Belmondo. In fact, the whole movie was very lively.
The story of how the French were betrayed by their government and allies is very vivid, because the wounds are fresh. Less than 20 years have passed since the end of the war.
The British are shown to be two-faced and alienated, but on the other hand, nothing human is alien to them. The Germans hardly appear in the picture. A film about war in the truest sense of the word. War is everywhere and manifests itself: in the behavior of people, the atmosphere and senseless deaths, when the outcome of this war for all the characters of the film is already determined.
This is a film about death, about home, about loneliness and the struggle with loneliness, about religion, friendship, commercialism and the meaning of life. It's amazing how it's been possible to put so many events into a two-hour tape.
Someone lights up in the eyes of a light on the joys of at least some established situation, even if it is a broken van near the campfire. Someone is trying to hold the house at any cost, and someone is already ready to engage in trade and without hesitation goes on the heads of military comrades.
The hero of Belmondo encounters all these people, and in this kaleidoscope of fate tries to find his place. A strong actor is a strong picture.