J'accuse !

This film is a masterpiece with extreme social relevance for the human race. Try to rent it if you can find it. It is still relevant even almost 70 years after it was made. It may be hard to find but it is worth it. Enjoy!!!

Victor Francen (Jean) is the main character that we follow from fighting in the trenches in WW1 to the eve of WW2. We first come across him as a typical French lover who is sleeping with someone else's wife. In this case it is the wife of fellow soldier Marcel Delaître (François) and the lady in question is Line Noro (Edith), with whom Marcel also has a daughter. These 2 men confront each other on the battlefield and agree a friendship of sorts as they are forced together in battle. They then go on a doomed patrol from which no-one ever returns. Well, there is one survivor in this case. The film then follows Francen's determination to end all wars culminating in the rising of the dead soldiers to prevent a repeat of WW1.

History shows us that this isn't the way things went but it is a nice idea as we are suddenly thrust into a zombie movie at the end. Another notably French trait is exhibited when Francen calls out to the dead nationalities - American, German, Italian, etc - with one notable absence. Yes, you've guessed it. No mention of the British. The French really have a chip on their shoulder. Francen speaks in various foreign languages but calls out to the Americans not the British when he utters his English dialogue. Ha ha. Overall, the film is a bit depressing. Sacre Bleu! But the spooky bits are good.

J'Accuse surely ranks as one of the most stunningly effective anti-war films ever made. Its early scenes involve a group of French soldiers who are compelled to go out on a hopeless and utterly pointless patrol. The men are instantly slaughtered by the Germans. The next morning, an armistice is declared. The men on patrol were the last to die. Think of the great anti-war films you've seen--like "Paths of Glory" or "All Quiet on the Western Front." In my opinion, Abel Gance's "J'Accuse" ranks with these masterpieces and, in its final scenes, even surpasses them.

Jean Diaz is the sole survivor of the doomed patrol. Before the men leave the trenches, Diaz swore to his colleagues that their sacrifice would not be in vain--there would be no more wars. Diaz devotes his life to achieving this goal for which he sacrifices everything. Of course, he fails miserably, as the European powers prepare for a new and even more catastrophic war. In the final scenes, Diaz plays his last and best card in scenes that will not be soon forgotten by those who are fortunate enough to see this great film.

J' Accuse! is one of those imperfect films that have so many captivating and remarkable scenes as to burn them into memory forever. From the first 45 minutes concentrating on the battleground of the first World War that rivals All Quiet On The Western Front to the final half hour of surrealist horror/fantasy that evokes the groundwork for such films as Night of the Living Dead there is much to love about this work.

The editing and use of actual stock war footage actually brings the viewer a historical grounding for the social and moral stance the film takes. The special effects are in grand display for a film of the 1930s and eerily successful during the climax which is one of the truly great accomplishments in cinematic history.

The only drawbacks for the film is depending on your version/copy you may have re-edited scenes which create an odd linear flow to the film and which are also quite obviously placed. Also, the middle of the film does get bogged down in a romantic sub plot that does not seriously work and all too often finds the actors suffering from melodrama.

However, the historical significance of this film's anti-war message should not be detracted from the horrific circumstances surrounding WW II. The film's message actually centers on the scientific advances of the well played lead, Victor Francen, who allows his country (in this case France) the perception of a military advantage to consider war as beneficial. You can easily see this film speaking to the scientific community in any country of the time - especially Germany. Politics aside, the message is clear and as haunting as any you may find in the annals of cinema.

An important film for its time with a powerful message that only fell on deaf ears when World War II went ahead. Unfortunately, the film was technically flawed with some campy moments and a messy story structure. Still, the ending is a classic.