Gang on cars... There are no exceptionally good or bad people, only good or bad people.
I must say, Claude Lelouch has long dreamed of making a tragicomedy, the events of which will unfold against the backdrop of the Second World War. After all, he still found that time as a child, and the topic was close to him. As later in Les Misérables, the story takes place during the German occupation. He did not want to stir up the past to be accused of inflating ethnic strife. Therefore, many angles in this narrative were initially smoothed out. And the trinity of criminals, in the vision of Lelouch was somewhat romanticized, because of which they began to resemble the heroes of “Borsalino” (the main character there was also called Lola). Both films are similar in style, this is facilitated by the color scheme of paintings, retro cars and music by Francis Lay.
War, Armistice Time for Bandits!
Through a slice of the criminal society, Lelouch skillfully shows the mood prevailing in the underworld before and during the war. When, due to bizarre twists of fate, once irreconcilable enemies, policemen and bandits, suddenly found themselves on the same side of the law. The police, working for the Germans, are no better than the criminals they have caught before. Most bandits, seduced by material gain, also make a deal with the Gestapo, robbing and killing with impunity. But there were those who lived by unwritten laws of honor and obeyed no one. A thief is always a thief, whether it is war or peace. In their own way, they contribute to the fight against the occupiers, robbing the Germans of what they have already stolen. The main character without any convictions, fights for himself, for his love, only when the war affected him personally. And suddenly, as if to become a hero involuntarily.
I have my own accounts with Hitler's gang!
Lelouch does not have a clear distinction between good and bad. The director is interested in just under what circumstances a person takes one or another side. To give greater realism to the narrative, the picture mentions real historical characters. For example, multiple French boxing champion Marcel Cerdan. About which in seven years, Lelouch will make a separate film “Edith and Marcel”. As always at Lelouch, his paintings have all the features of the unique handwriting of the master. His two recurring themes, love and cars, run through the entire narrative, just as before in Man and Woman. This has already become an unacceptable attribute of his style.
This car will change the history of the robbery!
With knowledge, the director relishes the advantages of the then new model, the front-wheel drive Citroën-7C. Possessing the fastest car, the main characters deftly avoid police chases. The technique that really used in the life of the famous Bonno Gang, not for nothing called the world’s first gang on wheels. At the same time, the shooting of this action is conducted at the highest level. The spirit is breathtaking at the sight of dynamic chases along country roads. It is worth noting also a magnificent acting ensemble, consisting of actors constantly filmed by Lelouch - Jacques Dutron, Jacques Villiers, Philippe Leotard, Serge Reggiani. So working with the director for the first time – Bruno Kremer, Marlene Jobert, Brigitte Fosse. The latter, by the way, for her role, was nominated for Cesar as the best supporting actress.
Who warned them?
- Me! I wanted to check out the new car.
10 out of 10