Hiver 54, l'abbé Pierre

French film "Hiver 54,l'Abbé Pierre" directed by Denis Amar pays tribute to Henri Grouès. It works well as a poignant yet non maudlin representation of a world where rich continue to make merry while their poor brethren are left to die in streets due to cold weather. The notion of France as a 'nation of solidarity' is highlighted as people from all walks of life contribute whatever they could to collect funds. Apart from l'Abbé Pierre, an influential woman named Hélène Larmier uses all her connections to collect more funds. The support by press, radio and television compel French politicians to construct houses for homeless people. This film is set in 1954, a year when France experienced one of its harshest winters. It was a tough time for everybody especially homeless people who did not have enough resources to combat the ferocious cold. The death of a baby due to freezing cold is a huge shock for L'Abbé Pierre. He calls on all French people to help him in his fight against poverty. It can be said that those who possess knowledge about French culture must surely be aware of a catholic priest named L'Abbé Pierre for all the charitable work which he undertook for poor people in France. As Mother Teresa is known to all Indians, L'Abbé Pierre is known to all French people. He founded an international solidarity movement named Emmaus in 1949 to combat homelessness and poverty.

one of rare films who are more than touching or good, beautiful or impeccable. it is a profound , convincing pledge for discover yourself . because it is a story of solidarity in a chilling winter. and precise portrait of a legendary figures of French Catholic Church. it is one of the most important roles of Lambert Wilson. and a great work from Claudia Cardinale. sure, it is a remarkable film. but, more important, it is the state after its end. because it is the film of a specific emotion. and this does it impressive , more than the artistic virtues. the feeling about the other. the image of the basic purpose of Emaus. the effort of Father Pierre not only for save the poor people but to remind a fundamental duty. an impressive film. and a clear message.

This priest ,looked upon by the French people as the contemporary Saint Vincent de Paul,for sure deserved better than this so-so film which does not do the great man justice.Whereas Maurice Cloche had brilliantly succeeded in 1947 in transferring Saint Vincent de Paul's life ("Monsieur Vincent" )to the screen,Denis Amar did not rise to the occasion.And however,the actor he chose was excellent:Lambert Wilson,one of the best contemporary French thespians .They put the weight on him and he carried it.Thanks to him ,the film is not boring.He confessed he would have played the part for free.Such is l'Abbé Pierre's popularity in France.

It needed a resistance hero and a man ready to go right to the end to make himself heard and save multiples lives. It showed however that cynism of politics was off the point, and that his call was heard at a wide scale. L'abbé Pierre popularity entered the heart of French people until its end, never betraying his values. Something that it is good to remind in our society where cynism and statistics make the law.

To speak a bit more of the movie itself, it could have been better. All characters are not well introducted and we do not know who they are and generally the movie could have been more structured to be more understandable. It has however great actresses and actors, to begin with Claudia Cardinale and Lambert Wilson. And such surges of solidarity are really moving.

My sentiments about this film closely parallel those of the previous reviewer. The selfless efforts of l'Abbe Pierre to save many Frenchmen from certain death during the brutal winter of 1954, make for quite an inspiring story. Unfortunately, in this instance, it was poorly told. Neither the generally excellent cast nor the hauntingly beautiful cinematography fully overcome the distraction of a sometimes choppy script coupled with poor editing.

Even so there are more than enough great "moments" and superb performances in this film to make it well worth watching. With little previous support from the script, Lambert Wilson manages to bring the piety, dedication and charisma of l'Abbe Pierre to life, not just in words but with his whole being. He is particularly effective in the delivery of l'Abbe Pierre's radio speech. You don't need to know a word of French to be moved by this reading.

Other performances, especially those in the roles of l'Abbe's corp of homeless entrepreneurs and the tin-eared politicos are also excellent. The consistent visual style of the movie is amazing considering that the virtual street life of l'Abbe and his cohorts continually stands in stark juxtaposition to the elegant, well-fed existence of those with the money and power to resolve a life threatening situation.

I would love to see this movie re-cut and issued on DVD with extras that provide audiences outside France with its historical context and an overview of the life and admiration accorded l'Abbe Pierre. Until then, scare up a SECAM video, even without subtitles, and enjoy a beautiful movie about the kind of people our whole world needs now!