De Gaulle

I was expecting a lot from De Gaulle, as the underlying story offered a great potential, and my expectations went mostly unmet. The movie does not make the fundamental choice whether to be about the private or the public De Gaulle; as a consequence, we don't gain many insights of the life and psychology of the man nor do we learn much more at historical level. Failing this basic choice, the movie remains at a rather superficial level on both sides and left me with a sense of an unfinished work. It does not help the case that the poor acting performance of the key actors (Churchill is a grotesque caricature of himself). On the positive side, the historical accuracy is good and very good is the photography.

Standing (largely) alone outside France during the German invasion, and negotiating with Churchill and what became the Vichy government De Gaulle became the symbolic leader of Free France.

No doubt the French know his story well, at least the older generation, but I left with a sense that much more could have been delivered.

The big question for me was, "What contribtion did he make after the first two weeks of the German invasion?" We don't find out until the closing credits, and then only with some information on the screen. After 1 hr 49mins that's not great.

I know the answer because I'm a student of military history, but most of that comes from an Anglo/American perspective.

Having spent a lof time demonstrating his devotion to his family, particularly his daughter Anne who has Down Syndrome and negotiations with Churchill, this is ultimately a 'meh' film. It doesn't seem overly long, but it does take a long time to do not much.

Where is the leader? What was his passion? How did he influence events? What did he do next? Thankfully, there are other places we can find the answers to these questions.

This is not an action movie, but more about how and why Charles de Gaulle did what he did.

If you enjoyed "the darkest Hours" with Gary Oldman, you will enjoy it... but it is in French

A moving film that focuses both on the public figure and the intimacy of General de Gaulle from April to June 1940. This time period depicts the Frenche Armistice and its inner apparatus leading to the appeal of 18 June. Some key historical and political figures such as Georges Mandel, Paul Reynaud and Marechal Petain are nicely enacted and help to understand the state of play at the time. Dialogues are key here and we follow the first political steps of a young Colonel, promoted as a provisional General, defending its views on France's dignity both admist a hostile and compromised French Government and a wary and concerned British ally. The depiction of the General's family life, both as a husband and a father is elegant and passionate. Yvonne character's is beautifully performed by Isabelle Carré, sensitive and strong, as much combative as her husband. The film follows her on very nicely orchestrated thrilling road trip. But the central character of the movie is their youngest daugther, Anne, born with Down's syndrome. The litte girl is key, impelling both husband, wife and parents to face the realities of war, survival and liberty. The acting little girl is wonderful. Is is noteworthy to conclude that the movie is the first based on the character. A must see.

This movie opened up the side of De Gaulle I knew nothing of. He was a career military man, gaining the rank of colonel, but also this movie showed the family side and that is what I was impressed with. He and his wife showed such devotion to their young daughter who had Down's syndrome, his normal stiff upper lip was gone when interacting with Anne his daughter and the sheer devotion to her was quite moving.

It is always easy to go with the crowd and his career and life may well have not changed had he accepted defeat and capitulation to nazi Germany, however he refused and took the road of resistance.

He had his nationality removed, property confiscated and his family were at risk of imprisonment or worse, but still he defied the odds and gave the famous radio speech rallying the free French resistance.

This movie tells a clear story of the dilemmas he had to face and decisions which took courage, politicians nowadays could learn from his story, we would be a better world if more were like him.

Good acting, clear storytelling and interesting facts make this a recommended movie to watch if nothing else but to get a history lesson.

I hope The French people are inspired by a true patriot and saviour of France.