A worthy biographical television film, which received two Golden Globe Awards and dedicated to the theme of the French Resistance during the Second World War. The film tells the true story of the English Countess Mary Lindell (one of the best roles of Judy Davis), who lives in Paris with her son and daughter. She secretly helps an English officer to cross the border, and in general takes an active part in the work of the Resistance, losing everything she had before the war - freedom, home, fortune, children and position in society.
The merits of the film, of course, should be attributed to the cast, which includes wonderful English actors. Sam Neal in the film plays British officer James Leggat, who is saved from imminent death by the heroine Judy Davis in an excellent opening scene. Young Kate Beckinsale, for whom this role was the first in the movie, plays the role of the daughter of the main character, in love with a German officer. In the image of the French priest Father LeBlanc, who helps the Resistance, the wonderful Denholm Elliot appears, and Anthony Higgins, known for the “Contract of a draftsman”, we see here in the role of the main antagonist – SS officer Herman Gruber. Among the main characters is the son of Mary Lindell performed by actor Christian Enholt, but his role is not so noticeable and not so much stands out from the other characters.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the film, then here, perhaps, we can call too linear storytelling, which develops in one given direction, without assuming plot branches and surprises. For a feature film, the main character has too few dangers, or they are not brought to the level of complete dramatic empathy. However, all this is completely redeemed by convincing acting works (as I said above), as well as, first of all, reliably and truthfully shown the atmosphere of the French underground during the years of occupation.
In a word, the film is worth watching and expressing your opinion.
8 out of 10