Le vieux fusil

Synopsis

1944. Julien Dandieu, a surgeon from Montauban, decides to send his wife and daughter to the country and greater safety. A few days later he discovers that the entire population of the village has been massacred by the Germans. Mad with grief, he sets out to hunt down those responsible.

Loosely based on a true story, the massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane, Le vieux fusil - sometimes translated as The Old Gun - is a French classic melodrama that shook France to its core during its release because of the very accurate account of the Nazis in rural France as they were retreating. Behind the flashbacks of love and happiness is a destroyed man seeking revenge as war is nearing its end. Set in the châteaux de Bruniquel from the XIIth century, the movie features two of the biggest French cinema stars of the 70’s, Philippe Noiret and Romy Schneider. When it was released, the movie received mixed reviews, some calling it a war masterpiece, others an over violent revenge film with no real message on nazis and French collaboration that relies on cheesy flashbacks to bring tears. Even Philippe Noiret will go on to say he wished the movie would have been a bit more nuanced on the revenge aspect. French people were much less divided and the movie was a massive hit at the theaters and a multi winner at the 1976 Césars, including for best film and best actor for Philippe Noiret. Decades after its release, Le vieux fusil is now considered a French cult classic and often ranks high when French people are asked to name their favorite French movies.

Directed by: Robert Enrico (France/Germany, 1975)
Cast: Philippe Noiret (Julien Dandieu), Romy Schneider (Clara Dandieu), Jean Bouise (François), Joachim Hansen (the SS officer), Madeleine Ozeray (Julien's mother)
Genre: drama
Awards: Honorary César des César award in 1985, three César awards in 1976 (Best Film, Best Actor, Best Music)
Parental guidance: TV-PG

In French with English subtitles

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