La rafle.
a.k.a.
The Round Up (2010)
This French/German/Hungarian production is based on the true story of a young Jewish boy, as it depicts the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup - the mass arrest of Jews by French police who were complicit with the Nazis in Paris in July 1942. This a deeply personal film for French director Roselyne Bosch, because her father had been detained in one of Francisco Franco's interment camps, so she felt a connection with the subject matter and felt sympathy with the victims. And it shows, as Bosch does a great job handling the film. The story is touching, emotional and beautifully-told, despite the tough subject matter. Full of emotions from beginning to end, without any pathos, ease or melodrama, "La rafle." takes us into the true horror of this historical event. And while hard to watch at times, due to some brutal scenes, full of violence against innocent men, women and children, the film is an unforgettable, yet nightmarish experience, consistently gripping from first to the last minute. The scenes with Hitler are completely unnecessary though, and add nothing to the story. Acting-wise, "The Round Up" is fantastic. Melanie Laurent was great in Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds", and she's just as brilliant here, as she delivers an honest and emotionally-driven performance as Annette, a Protestant nurse dediacated to the group of Jewish children separated from their parents. French megastar Jean Reno appears later in the film, but nevertheless thanks to his undeniable charisma and acting skills, he gives another strong performance. The supporting actors, especially the youngsters are all superb. Visually, "La rafle." is just as brilliant, with its striking cinematography, as well as authentic sets, costumes and music. It's no "Schindler's List", but Roselyne Bosch's "The Round Up" is gorgeously-photographed and wonderfully-acted film, based on horrific real events, that moves and entertains as well as informs.
a.k.a.
The Round Up (2010)
This French/German/Hungarian production is based on the true story of a young Jewish boy, as it depicts the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup - the mass arrest of Jews by French police who were complicit with the Nazis in Paris in July 1942. This a deeply personal film for French director Roselyne Bosch, because her father had been detained in one of Francisco Franco's interment camps, so she felt a connection with the subject matter and felt sympathy with the victims. And it shows, as Bosch does a great job handling the film. The story is touching, emotional and beautifully-told, despite the tough subject matter. Full of emotions from beginning to end, without any pathos, ease or melodrama, "La rafle." takes us into the true horror of this historical event. And while hard to watch at times, due to some brutal scenes, full of violence against innocent men, women and children, the film is an unforgettable, yet nightmarish experience, consistently gripping from first to the last minute. The scenes with Hitler are completely unnecessary though, and add nothing to the story. Acting-wise, "The Round Up" is fantastic. Melanie Laurent was great in Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds", and she's just as brilliant here, as she delivers an honest and emotionally-driven performance as Annette, a Protestant nurse dediacated to the group of Jewish children separated from their parents. French megastar Jean Reno appears later in the film, but nevertheless thanks to his undeniable charisma and acting skills, he gives another strong performance. The supporting actors, especially the youngsters are all superb. Visually, "La rafle." is just as brilliant, with its striking cinematography, as well as authentic sets, costumes and music. It's no "Schindler's List", but Roselyne Bosch's "The Round Up" is gorgeously-photographed and wonderfully-acted film, based on horrific real events, that moves and entertains as well as informs.
4 comments:
Will certainly give this one a watch, esecially as the director has such an emotional attatchment which I finds always makes a movie/story better. Great post
Melanie Laurent is in fact my most favorite act from Inglourious Basterds. Can't wait watching her performance again in another movie.
Dempsey, the entire film was driven by emotions - both, director's and actor's. It was deeply moving actually. You should definitely give it a shot.
Melanie Laurent was absolutely incredible in "Inglourious Basterds", yet Christoph Waltz's act remains my favorite. In fact, it's my favorite male performance ever, along with Daniel Day-Lewis' in "There Will Be Blood". Oh, I had also predicted Waltz's future success, saying that he shall receive all major acting awards. And that's exactly what happened ;)
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