Lucie Aubrac **1/2
rated R October/USA Films 116 minutes in French with English subtitles starring Carole Bouquet, Daniel Auteuil, Patrice Chereau, Jean-Roger Milo, Eric Boucher, Heino Ferch, Jean Martin, Marie Pillet, Maxime Henry, Alain Maratarat, Franck de la Personne, Pascal Greggory based on the novel "Ils Partiront Dans L'Ivresse" by Lucie Aubrac written and directed by Claude Berri
At the beginning of "Lucie Aubrac", there is a disclaimer explaining that this film is based on a true story, but certain dramatic liberties have been taken. One of the film's problems is that not enough dramatic liberties were taken, and we're left with a competent historical drama-romance without much to it. Daniel Auteuil plays Raymond, a member of the French Resistance in 1943. Recently married to Lucie(Carole Bouquet), he gets arrested while at a secret meeting. He is then sentenced to death, and it is up to his headstrong, confident wife to rescue him. Their love story is charming, but not gripping. What is really fascinating is how strong Lucie is; becoming a member of the Resistance and leading the troop to save her husband's life. However, while the historical aspects of the film are slightly interesting, there is so little character development that you'll be bugging yourself to find out which name belongs to which face. It doesn't help that the characters change their names every few days. Writer/director Claude Berri has undoubtebly used a lot of skill in putting this film together, but the only ones who will really enjoy it are either foreign history buffs or people who like a sentimental, slow-moving romance. Regardless of the film's flaws, Carole Bouquet and Daniel Auteuil are excellent. With a little more drama and emotion, "Lucie Aubrac" would be a fine film.
a capsule review by Akiva Gottlieb, The Teenage Movie Critic akiva@excite.com http://teenagemoviecritic.8m.com
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