Suite Francaise

Suite Francaise is a captivating World War II drama released in 2014, led by a cast featuring the talented Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Margot Robbie.

The film takes place in Nazi-occupied France, in a quaint village named Bussy, during the early part of World War II. It explores themes of love, war, morality, and sacrifice. Based on the novel 'Suite Française' by Irène Némirovsky, which was written during World War II but only discovered and published much later, the narrative is rooted in a volatile period in world history.

Michelle Williams stars as Lucile Angellier, a rather polished but reserved woman who is lives with her domineering mother-in-law, Madame Angellier, portrayed by Kristin Scott Thomas. The Angelliers are a distinguished family in Bussy, owning land and property that is currently being farmed by French citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. Madame Angellier is a stringent woman, eagerly waiting for her son, and Lucile's husband, to return from war. While her son is away, she demands the payments of rent from her distressed tenants.

The film authentically captures the dread and apprehension that surrounded French citizens during this era, as they are helplessly witnessing German occupation of their land with a bleak outlook on their future. Soon, the villagers are forced to live with billeted German soldiers. To the Angellier household comes Lieutenant Bruno von Falk (Matthias Schoenaerts), a charming and courteous officer with an added layer of interest - a love for music, just like Lucile. Despite the initial tension and hostility, a mutual appreciation for music draws Lucile and Bruno closer, putting them on the path to an unlikely but apprehensive connection in the most trying circumstances.

Margot Robbie plays Celine, a farm girl who always harbored dreams of a better life, in a supporting but significant role. Her life takes a tragic turn when she becomes a victim of the war's brutality and lawlessness. Her character arc provides a heartbreaking view of the war's consequences on innocent lives.

'Suite Francaise' handles the controversial subject of fraternization with the enemy during war with subtlety and sensitivity. The characterization of the German officer Bruno avoids easy stereotypes, presenting him as a somewhat reluctant participant in the war who values decency and music. Similarly, Lucile's character evolves from a submissive daughter-in-law to a woman who begins questioning the morality, ethics and the very nature of the war.

Following an unique standpoint on budding romance during war times, it delicately portrays the continual struggle between loyalty, duty and the potential for love. Much of the film focuses on the psychological conflict within characters, against the backdrop of the larger global conflict. Despite their drastic circumstantial differences, these characters reveal universal human emotions, suffering and endurance.

Notably, 'Suite Francaise' skillfully captures the paradoxes of war - it is quiet yet it disrupts, distant yet encroaching, dividing people, yet also bringing them together in unexpected ways. The film combines romance, suspense, moments of high emotion, and glimpses of la vie quotidienne amid the horrors of war, as experienced by a small French village under the German occupation.

'Suite Francaise' is a film that encourages its audience to view war from multiple perspectives, challenging the regular narratives of right and wrong, victim and oppressor.

Director Saul Dibb beautifully crafts a film packed with tension, drama, and poignant emotional turns, all under the watchful eye of the ever-looming shadow of war. The film is visually engaging with authentic sets, gorgeous period costumes and stunning cinematography that accurately captures the period. The score subtly enhances the movie experience with the use of classical music, mirroring the narratives' nods to romance, music, and tragedy.

In conclusion, 'Suite Francaise' seamlessly weaves together love, defiance, and the frailty of human connection during times of despair, brilliantly brought to life by well-rounded performances from a stellar ensemble of actors. It's a haunting, historically-rich, and emotionally riveting film that leaves a lasting impact.