The Old Gun (1975)

Please don't spend money on this.

A different way of telling a story

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

One of my favorite childhood French films, which with great success was in the 70's in the Soviet box office. It's hard to say exactly what this film is about - about love, about war or about revenge. As it seems to me, this film from the category of stylish and very thin."In a conversation with a Frenchman, never touch upon the theme of the Second World War and, especially, the fascist occupation," - because we are taught by the French experts.It is known that almost every Frenchman lives with the awareness of his national exclusiveness. This feeling was brought up for many centuries. Therefore, to shoot a French movie about the events that are associated with the defeat and surrender without a fight of entire cities is a very delicate matter for the filmmaker.Probably, I will leave not far from the truth, if I assume that the French were waiting for such a film. They were waiting to again justify themselves (first of all, before themselves), once again skillfully revenge, and prove that even during the years of occupation they remained real Frenchmen - the cleverest, the strongest and able to truly love.On the other hand, the authors of the film needed to withstand a certain political correctness and, if possible, not to abuse the demonstration of the cruelty of the German invaders. The fact is that during the filming of the film, two-year talks ended in Europe, concluding with the signing in 1975 of the Final Helsinki Act (the birth of the OSCE). In fact, this meant a great European truce and the beginning of a new life together. And during the truce, it is known what happens to the eye of someone who remembers the old ...All this complicated the task of director Robert Enrico, but he masterfully operated with all the film tools, coped with it "perfectly", although in an ordinary French manner in a florid manner.One of the director's finds is the combination of flashbacks, that is, the memories of surgeon Julien about pre-war life, his acquaintance and love with Clara, and the real situation where the Nazis have already occupied his country, and the doctor's hands have to take up his gun. At the same time, transitions to flashbacks do not create an acute contrast, and the romantic soundtrack of the composer Francois de Rubé helps the protagonist to swim in the waves of his memory. These memories, as it were, zombie Julien so that his revenge is not troublesome, filled with confident and prudent actions. It is much more interesting to observe the revenge when it is performed by an ordinary person. It excites and makes the viewer to empathize.Another director's luck is the successful selection of actors. Philip Noiret and Romy Schneider seem to be created for each other, a great duo. Frames flashbacks are covered with a light haze and this only emphasizes the grace and beauty of Romy Schneider.In 1976, the film was awarded the CESAR award immediately by categories: Best film (Robert Enrico), Best actor (Philip Noiret), Best music (Francois De Rube) and more ... Thanks to the viewers of different countries.

Sadly the reviewer did not watch properly the movie : 1. Noiret/Dandieu does not arrive "just in time" to see his family killed : he imagineswhat has happened (perhaps one or two days before; unclear).2. The girl is his daughter; not Romy/Clara's I did not plan to write more but I am forced to write at least 1O lines (silly rule).This is a movie I first saw when I was 12 or 13.It made a lasting impression on me.I love its pace, the acting (Noiret in particular), Romy's beauty, charm and accent.And the music by François de Roubaix.

Many people have already made clear why this movie is so incredibly good. It is definitely worth watching.There is one thing however that bothers me in this movie. Without spoiling, you will see that this man cares so much more about his wife than his daughter. This is awfully unrealistic for the hero in a movie, but necessary seen the famous actress playing the wife (they had to give her more screen time).Other than that, the action is great for its time. It is a realistic revenge story, so don't expect Jason Statham killing over a 100 Nazi's in half an hour. This movie keeps it real and touches your heart, don't watch it for the action.

One of the best "war" films from the french cinema. The cruelty and the feelings are perfectly depicted Unforgettable the scene where Philippe Noiret knows what happened to his wife and daughter. The developing of the action is not as usual since the good old days are not in the beginning of the movie, but in the middle via the projection of home movies by the German soldiers, who murdered the two women. The systematic battle between the doctor and several soldiers,in a crescendo of violence that takes place in a "huis clos" is an example of directing and editing. The finale is like a balloon that is out of gas, the climax was attained and one more the leading actor shows how not to act to show true feelings.