Review by Geoff Jenke
Frantz is the story of German/French relationships in the aftermath of World War One. Set in Germany during a time of great mourning, it tells the story of Anna who lost her fiancé in the war. An unknown man mysteriously appears and places flowers on her fiancés grave. A friendship evolves between the young Frenchman, Anna and Anna’s would be in-laws. However the community is still reeling from defeat and show their feelings toward this man.
Simmering just below the story line are discreet secrets and lies, first from the man then from Anna. Is it better to lie than to cause more hatred, pain and suffering?
The movie is directed by French Filmmaker Francois Ozon and stars Pierre Niney and Paula Beer. Frantz is based on the 1932 movie Broken Lullaby, directed by Ernst Lubitsch. It’s a beautifully acted piece of cinema telling of guilt and angst.
The movie is shot in majestic black and white but then at times blossoms into colour. There is little music score but this just adds to the mood of the movie.
While at times a little slow moving, it is an engaging film that never bores. The movie moves simply for the first half, but the second half journey moves into multi layered stories. It has many twists and turns that you won’t see coming.
“The first casualty of war is truth”. This may have as well been the punch line to this movie. Are the civilians of the winning side any better off than the losing side?
In a way, it is a great old fashioned, engaging movie. One that will keep you captivated till the end.
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