La Grande Illusion (The Big Illusion), Jean Renoir, 1937

 

 

This movie takes a look at the different social classes of Europe during WWI.  The perspective of the film, which is regarded by critics and film historians as one of the masterpieces in French film,  is generously humanistic to its characters of various nationalities

 

Summary:

 

First World War. Two French soldiers are arrested by the major von Rauffenstein, a sophisticated and respectful German. Driven in a prison camp, they help their companions of barracks to dig a secret tunnel. But on the eve of their evasion, the prisoners are transferred. They are finally taken in a fortress of high security steered by von Rauffenstein. This one treats prisoners with courtesy, even making friends with Boeldieu. But the French officers prepare a new evasion.

 

 

Critique:

 

Symbolically this film speaks to many grand illusions the war to end all wars, the differences in social class and ethnicity. this includes the Frenchmen who upon their escape vow to return to the front lines. As well as the widow who will wait for her lover to return.

This film describes strongly typified persons, (two aristocrats, a Parisian titi, a dressmaker and son of Jewish banker, an actor, a schoolteacher, an engineer, etc.) during the First World war. This film which shows the end of the French and German aristocracy, attempts to present the balance of power and the affinities between the various social classes beyond the borders and the conflicts. “La grande Illusion” is moreover neither a film of adventures, nor even a war film (there is no scene of fight).