Review of Free Men (2011) by Riri H — 30 May 2012
Free men (French - Les Hommes Libre) is a brilliant study of personal conscience under impossible circumstances. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1939-44, the film focuses on a small-time black-marketeer who is caught by the Nazis, made to act as informer, and then finds himself understanding and helping Jews to escape.
Tahar Ramin conveys the cocky, smug petty villain at the start with real conviction, and hi transformation into a thoughtful member of the Resistance is beautifilly played out. Both the singer Salim and the rector are 100% convincing.
The film invokes the period with tremendous attention to detail: from the cars, to the clothes, to the the Vichy sympathisers flirting in the street oblivious as Jews are rounded up and sent to their deaths.
I will never be able to visit Paris again without thinking about thi film.
This review of Free Men (2011) was written by Riri H on 30 May 2012.
Free Men has generally received positive reviews.
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