Monsieur Batignole (2002) Reviews

• Magnifique!

  rps-22003-11-03

  This does for the German occupation of France what "Life Is Beautiful" did for that of Italy. It's a wonderfully warm and even humourous story set against the horror of the holocaust. The characters are well drawn and the camera sees the German occupation through decidedly French eyes. No propaganda. No punches pulled. No attempt to deny that many French collaborated with the Nazis. And no false heroics. M. Batignole is a timid hero indeed but a genuine hero nonetheless. A refreshing new perspective on the war years with much to praise and nothing to criticise.

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• Very enjoyable and light approach to a heavy subject

  courfeyrac2002-03-19

  Though a very heavy subject, Monsieur Batignole approaches the French collaboration and attempts of two Jewish families to escape war-time Paris in an enjoyable manner that is so common of Jugnot. Jugnot plays one of his typical likeable characters who doesn't want to get involved, but finds himself nonetheless thrown in with three Jewish children as they attempt to escape to Switzerland. Jean-Paul Rouve also does a fabulous job of acting, making you hate him just for playing his character. Well seasoned with humor, recognition and turning points, this is definitely a good film to see and perhaps even learn a lesson from.

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• In quest of hope

  Andreas_N2005-11-09

  Both an entertaining and a sincere movie. Jules Sitruk definitely did a very good job in here. The story had indeed some emotional involvements and was above the average. I liked the way Gerard Jugnot and Jules interacted with each other. Sometimes it was a bit oversubscribed and unrealistic - I'm thinking of the gorgeous sequence with the German soldier who had his knee dislocated - but nonetheless it didn't minimize the movie's natural charm. The historical background adds a significant amount of authenticity to the whole plot and grants the movie additional quality. Solid acting, entertaining experience. Recommended.

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• A very pleasant surprise.

  ernier2002-08-10

  Although some of the characters are clichés, they are all well acted. The film manages to mix its humor with the seriousness of the subject without the awkwardness and maudlin artificiality of "Life is Beautiful." I don't know if this has been released in the U.S. (I saw it on an Air France flight), but it is worth looking for.

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• Hen-pecked, simple butcher in occupied France finds himself thrust into heroism when a Jewish child appears on his doorstep seeking shelter.

  tordiway2003-06-01

  Probably the best film I have seen so far this year. We recently screened it for our Film Festival Selection Committee and the response was near-unanimous - four stars. The previous commenter's accusations of "terminal cuteness" baffle me - this is the best good-old-fashioned solid three-act structure Hollywood movie I have seen in a long time - and it was made in France. The distributor claims that they cannot find an American distributor who will meet their terms - therefore, there are no plans for American release. If you can find it playing at your local Jewish Film Festival (about the only place you are likely to find it in the US - a shame, really, since it is not a film only for Jews)by all means buy your ticket and go.

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