The Guardians

The Guardians is a critically acclaimed drama film released in 2017, directed by seasoned French filmmaker Xavier Beauvois. The script, written by Beauvois along with Frédérique Moreau and Marie-Julie Maille, is a sterling representation of the director's exceptional storytelling capabilities. It is notable for its compelling narrative that navigates loss, hardship, love, and resilience during the most challenging of times.

The 2017 film's central protagonists are expertly portrayed by lead actresses Nathalie Baye, Laura Smet, and Iris Bry. Their performances are well-rounded, nuanced, and deeply felt, significantly contributing to the movie's impact.

Set in rural France during the First World War, The Guardians masterfully depicts the harsh realities of the time and the role of women in sustaining home and hearth while their men are away at war. The film's plot unravels through the backdrop of the Paridier farm, where the women of the house take the reins and face manifold challenges to keep the farm running.

Nathalie Baye plays the character of Hortense, the formidable matriarch of the Paridier family, with a tenacity that is admirable. As the men in the family go off to war, Hortense remains behind, determined to keep their land fertile and productive despite the odds. She is tasked with an overwhelming responsibility, she governs the sprawling farmland and the day-to-day activities with an iron hand and resolute spirit. Her determination is mirrored by her real-life daughter, Laura Smet, who plays Solange, a young woman equally devoted to the farm's belabored upkeep.

However, the movie isn’t merely about the struggle for survival. It is also a portrait of the evolving dynamics among the women of the Paridier farm. This undercurrent is epitomized through the character of Francine, a young woman hired as seasonal help during harvest, portrayed by Iris Bry in a breakout performance.

Francine's presence within the predominantly female-led household and her transition from an outsider to being an integral part of the community forms a significant part of the storyline. Her character brings a new perspective and an emerging set of conflicts and bonds, adding layers of complexity to the narrative as these three women navigate the changing world around them amidst the tumult of war.

The Guardians further attempts to excavate the rich tapestry of human emotions, trials, and tribulations endured by those left behind during times of war. It dives into the complexities and contradictions of love in a time of hardship, the sorrow of isolation, and the courage embedded in resilience. The narrative weaves a delicate balance between themes of survival, loss, unexpected alliances, and enduring love - making it a complex representation of life on the home front during the First World War.

In addition to the powerful performances and the engaging narrative, The Guardians rests on the compelling visual aesthetics provided by the cinematographer Caroline Champetier. The film draws its stark beauty from the brooding rural landscape and the lingering, immersive cinematography, which often lets the visuals do the talking. Alongside, the immersive sounds of nature and the occasional folk songs add to the authenticity of the period drama.

Beauvois' The Guardians skillfully alternates between a poignant family saga and a detailed social tableau, offering a fresh perspective on the roles occupied by women during wartime. The movie casts light on the courage and strength required to sustain morale, property, and hope in the face of adversity, making it a notable contribution to war cinema and a profound character study.

The film might leave some uncomfortable with its slow pace, but it allows for a deeper immersion into the characters' world. Its beauty lies in its quiet moments and the non-dramatized portrayal of common people's experiences during the world's darkest hours.

In conclusion, The Guardians 2017, starring Nathalie Baye, Laura Smet, and Iris Bry, is a poignantly beautiful and deeply perceptive film. It bravely portrays an untold aspect of war – that of the women who wait, work and love, even as their world dramatically shifts around them. It’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and courage of these 'guardians' of the home front during the devastating course of war. Far from being a conventional war drama, the film resounds with patience and empathy, seeking out the quieter recesses of the human heart to tell its profoundly moving story.