Director: Robert ZemeckisCast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

What's it about:It's 1942 and a Resistance fighter named Marianne Beausejour and an intelligence officer named Max Vatan find each other as they complete a mission together. They first pretend to be married and eventually do get married. A year later, a shocking truth comes to light.

What's hot:Pitt and Cotillard make for a fine-looking romantic pair. They rekindle memories of Hollywood's Golden Era war romances. Zemeckis shows a firm hand at the helm, and nothing is imbalanced, despite a 124-minute runtime that seems far longer than it should be. Everything happens for a reason and you're thoroughly invested in the story of this pair. Their love is intense and that radiates off the screen. Cotillard is a vision even at her most dishevelled, Pitt always slick, no matter how grimy things get around him. 

What's not:It's plain and simple Oscar bait. Which is not a bad thing. But then, you know in this case, they're playing it a little safe and by the book. They know what works with the jury and so, chances are not taken. By that measure, it does get a bit predictable in the second half. You're aware by then that there's more than meets the eye. And I just couldn't stand Jared Harris's rather loud character Frank Heslop, who Pitt's Max reports to. He's annoying as hell and you wonder why he gets so much screen time.

What to do:It wouldn't hurt you to make a trip to the theatre to catch this one, thanks to Cotillard. But as far as war romances go, it is found wanting. Somewhat, a lost opportunity, of sorts.

Rating: ***1/2