Army Of Shadows

Year: 1969

Grade: B-

Country: France

Director: Melville

Review

i’m guessing that the story behind the making and release of this film is as interesting as the film itself. it was originally released in 1969 and made by melville who was one a part of the french resistance. it’s odd that the film took 20+ years to be made and originally released. it took another 35+ years for it to be officially released in the united states. all told it took over 60 years for the film to go from a reality that melville lived to a film released here in the the states.

it’s a fine enough film in most ways. it captures the daily struggle of those involved in the resistance with all the sacrifices and obstacles that go along with it. truth be told, though, i didn’t find any of the characters to be particularly empathetic. honestly, i felt more detached than melville likely intended. i also suffered from high expectations. andrew sarris had this as one of his top ten films of the year last year and i generally respect his opinion, but this one didn’t really do it for me.

well shot and acted.

Watched on TV