Film review: Resistance

 There is a reason why war films are made. Beyond the usual chicanery of making a movie - there is the overwhelming responsibility to remind people of the horrors of war. But beyond even that, beyond the horrors of war that are portrayed on the silver and small screen, is the tragic and sickening madness of the Holocaust.

And especially now, when the world is reeling from unimaginable cruelties anew, we have to remind ourselves that we might be capable of not just seeing it but also stopping it.

This film, Resistance almost plays like a Shakespeare production from the start. Ed Harris, is this film's 'Chorus' providing us with the introduction and conclusion to the tale. Only Chorus is now General Patton and he is speaking to soldiers, not theatre goers.

Marceau Marcel, as he becomes, is portrayed with startling innocence by Jesse Eisenberg. That innocence is fleeting as he becomes more involved in the resistance, helping children escape the Nazis. His performance is one of quiet courage. And if it were ever in doubt, it is clear that he can do so much more than just sarcasm. 

He is joined by others, including Emma, (Clémence Poésy - a truly haunting performance) and his brother Georges (Géza Röhrig), all of them risking their lives for these children who are being hunted with a ferocity that borders on the feral.

The feral hunter is portrayed by Matthais Schweighöfer but here the film does double duty - he is not just a soldier blinded by hatred of those - blamed for their troubles, but a husband and a new father. This period is well known for breeding monsters and letting them lose on the world, but the film would be a lot worse off if we forget that they were people too.

Yes, this is a war film and yes, people are killed in horrendous circumstances. But if you are feeling brave, watch it and remember. We can do so much more in the world when we remember that life is precious and everyone is entitled to live, love and be happy.


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