Le silence de la mer

I came across this film on youtube; it's one of the most powerful WW2/romance movie I've ever seen. Very sensational. I couldn't help watching it over and over again. The performance for the actors were great; I never knew how movies can deliver message and stories like this.

What a truly wonderful film. I have never seen the original but if it is better than this version it must be very,very good. I enjoyed the performances of the three main characters immensely and have watched the film time and time again. The strange thing is that I a don't actually speak French yet have been moved by the storyline and acting to want to watch it over and over again. I think I'm right in saying that this film hasn't been shown in England but with the addition of subtitles there is no reason it shouldn't. Channel Four Television recently had a 100 best war film programme that included many great films of that genre. In my opinion this is right up there with the best of them. Thanks to Pierre Boutron(Director) and stars Thomas Jouannet, Julie Delarme and Michel Galabru for a film that is simply a treasure.

"Le silence de la mer" is based on the book de Vercors , a French writer and member of the French Résistance that tells an impossible love story between a young French piano teacher and an German officer of the Wehrmacht. It's really a great and touching story: she plays German classic music . He is fully francofile and tries to have a conversation, but the only answer is always silence !! The performance of Thomas Jouannet, Julie Delarme and Michel Galabru are extraordinary.

This is coming from a lover of horror movies. Don't like sappy romances but I happened across this movie last night and while it was in French (no parle vous) I totally got the gist of the movie. I watched the entire film, beginning to end and LOVED it!!! If you can get past the subtitles or lack there of you'll feel the same. Great but sad ending as usual.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

The story starts in November 1941 in Nazi occupied France. A pretty, young and orphaned girl (late teens to early 20s) lives with her paternal grandfather, her only relative, in a comfortable villa. Proud but reserved, she gives piano lessons with unusual zeal and passion. One day, her house is invaded by the occupying Germans, and her parents' suite becomes the home of the local German Commander.

However, this Nazi is a refined Francofile, a classical pianist and composer. He's also extremely handsome, and tries to make this embarrassing situation as acceptable as possible.

This film is a remake of one of the best movies made in post World War II Europe, with a few adaptations to the original script, based on the novel 'LE SILENCE DE LA MER', published underground around February of 1942.

With a French actor speaking slightly (but not caricature) German accented French, the German lieutenant character is quite believable. His Aryan looks certainly confirms his "authenticity" as the cultured (French-like) though disciplined (German-like) Nazi; an enemy a refined girl could possibly fall in love with.

The original novel was practically a sacred book in France during the 1942-45 period, and a powerful symbol of the French Resistance. The 1947 film, due to budget and mainly personal and political problems, was, in hindsight, not as believable and well filmed as this new version. That said, the 1947 will probably always remain the definite version.

But, nevertheless, this new made for TV movie is well worth seeing for its timeless anti-war, pro-humanity themes. The gorgeous cinematography, and excellent performances by perfectly casted actors make it a pleasant experience for the eyes and the mind, regardless of all else, including the inevitable comparisons to the 1947 film and the novel. It is now playing on the cable TV "Eurochannel" transmitted by Satellite and "DirecTV" in the Americas, and should not be missed!