Résistance

Fantastic Holocaust film. I doubt many people know the true life connection this great stage actor had to saving children during WW2.

Was this the most brilliant film I've ever seen? No. Was it a well-told adaptation of a true story that deserves to be remembered? I think that sums it up pretty well.

Jesse Eisenberg delivers a decent performance if you can look past the shoddy French accent, but Clémence Poésy and Matthias Schweighöfer are the true stars here, with the nazi brutality of the latter made all the more shocking when contrasted with the concern he shows towards his own child.

A few reviews comment on the 'formulaic' nature of this film - whilst from an entertainment perspective this might be a valid critique, I personally believe it is vital that these stories are told and retold, and highlighting the bravery of an individual is a valuable way to do so.

Often heard of Marcel Marceau but never this part of his life. Very engaging film. I understand other reviewers concerns regarding Eisenberg in the lead role but if you see past that to the actual story it is a good watch.

I think you get an unfair assessment after reading reviews before watching movies. The movie was strong, it was very emotional, The endurance of the characters is more than inspiring, it's compelling and pulling. I won't speak about the acting, because the actors are simply actors. The event of holding composure during the Cat and Mouse game of Death is horrifying. Let alone for children, so is the movie showing the real FRIGHT of children? I would assume some was left out. But the movie does capture you and you journey with it through the monstrosity ill of war and intent of extinction. So the main characters for me are the children. As important as Marcel story is "A CHILD IS ESCAPING DEATH." The hope of survival is terrifying.

I have absolutely no idea who Eisenberg is, and consequently watched this film with no preformed opinions or expectations. Only afterwards reading others' (mostly) negative comments did I realise that (I assume) he's better known for different types of role. Well, without the baggage and preconceptions, I think he gave a pretty good performance. I found it believable and nothing struck me as being either over- or underdone.

That being said, give it a few days when I'll have forgotten most of the specifics of this film, and I will probably once again have no idea who Eisenberg is. It's not an OSCAR-worthy performance, but it's acceptable.

The story itself I found engaging, all the better for being based on true events, and I have no regrets at having made the time to watch it. I probably won't watch it a second time in a few years, once it's a distant memory, but that's more to do with having lots that I do want to rewatch, and (probably) not enough time left to fit them all in.

Can I, though, take a moment to give 10/10 to the reviewer who commented "So Marcel Marceau was a Resistance fighter, huh? He kept that quiet." :-) Best one-liner I've read in ages!