Cate Blanchett joins the French Resistance during WW2
Shot in 2001, this was based on Sebastian Faulks’ 1998 novel. Contrary to what some say, the titular character was not based on Nancy Wake's real-life exploits. The author has plainly stated this. Perhaps he was inspired a bit by the New Zealander's story to create the one he wanted to tell, but that's about it.
As with practically any book-to-film adaptation, there are alterations as the exposition of the novel is jettisoned to fit the story into a 2-hour timeframe. The flick debuted seven months after “Pearl Harbor” and there are slight similarities in regards to the romantic dalliances. “Cold Mountain” came out two years later and, again, there are slight parallels. Bits of “Operation Daybreak” (1975) also come to mind, as well as “The Eagle Has Landed,” not to mention it shares the general milieu of Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds.”
It's the least of these IMHO, mainly because the dramatics aren’t as compelling as they could be, but nevertheless it delivers the goods if you’re inclined toward a WW2 yarn that focuses on peripheral events rather than conventional battles. The sometimes awe-inspiring locations are authentic and the décor & costumes convincing; plus, there’s an exquisite sense of artistry in the cinematography.
Armchair criticisms of the film are easily explained away. For instance, Roger Ebert complained that Charlotte's presence wasn't necessary to take down the train carrying German arms. Answer: The Resistance fighters would constantly need to train new people since so many of them were being betrayed and killed. He also objected to the German soldier not shooting the protesting Julien as they paraded into the city, but he forgot that that sequence occurred in the "free zone" of southern France in 1942, not the military-occupied northern part of the country. Sure, in the north Julien would've been shot on the spot, but in the south the collaborationist Vichy regime was still in control and German soldiers were instructed accordingly.
I shouldn’t fail to mention that Michael Gambon has a key role and brings to mind Albert Finney in his old age.
It was shot mostly in south-central France (Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val), but also Scotland (Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William) and the London area, including Pinewood Studios.
GRADE: B/B-
