Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Gabriel Le Bomin, French Cinema, M 108 Minutes.
Somewhat similar to the Winston Churchill drama in ‘Darkest Hour’ comes the first-time account of another wartime leader, Charles De Gaulle, by French director Gabriel Le Bomin depicting a critical phase in his nation’s WW2 involvement.
Set in May 1940 during a pivotal period in the early career of the former French President the movie begins with De Gaulle (Lambert Wilson – ‘The Matrix’ franchise) juggling personal and political responsibilities as France is being invaded by German forces.
It is a particularly grim time for France with the French Government, led by Paul Reynaud (Olivier Gourmet), in panic and considering throwing in the towel after seeing the French army on the run as Hitler seized Paris.
This course of action is strongly contested by De Gaulle who is adamant that France should continue to fight on.
He is then promoted to a two-star General as the political situation in France spirals out of control.
In rejecting the call from Marshal Philippe Petain (Philippe Laudenbach) to surrender De Gaulle visits Winston Churchill (Tim Hudson – TV’s‘Doctors’) in London for help while wife Yvonne (Isabelle Carre) and daughter, who has Down syndrome, are forced to flee from the Germans.
Having finally received Churchill’s support to carry on his resistance in leading the Free French from across the English Channel De Gaulle is able to deliver his historic speech to the French people before seeing France capitulate to Germany.
Although Le Bomin’s biographical drama on the famous French President covers only a brief period in his rise to power it is an engrossing and enjoyable insight into France’s wartime leader, revealing his resolute involvement in his country’s future.
In addition to his political ambition ‘De Gaulle’ also presents a personal side to the man himself, not only through the love shown for his wife and daughter but also for the French people despite his proud stance.
Even though it is a French and English co-production it is a skillfully directed movie accompanied by some great settings with the major highlight being the compelling performance from Wilson as the dignified De Gaulle.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
