The Tenth Man
During World War 2 the Germans arrested people at random off the streets of Paris and in retaliation to sabotage by the resistance announced the execution of one in ten prisoners. Chosen as one of the victims, lawyer Chavel trades his place with another man in return for all his possessions. At the end of the war he returns to his house and tries to integrate himself with the family of the man who traded places with him, all the while hiding his true identity. However matters are complicated when a stranger arrives claiming to be Chavel.
Insights
Plot Summary
During World War II, a captured British officer, Lance Corporal John Davies, is offered a deal by the Nazis: if he impersonates a dead German officer to trick Allied prisoners into revealing information, they will spare his life and allow him to return home. Davies agrees, but struggles with the moral implications of his deception. The situation becomes increasingly complex as he finds himself entangled with both his captors and the Allied soldiers he is deceiving.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for Klaus Maria Brandauer's performance and the film's exploration of moral ambiguity during wartime. Some critics found the plot predictable, but it was generally recognized for its solid performances and thought-provoking themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its strong central performance by Klaus Maria Brandauer.
- Explores complex moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in wartime.
- Some found the narrative to be somewhat predictable.
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Fun Fact
Klaus Maria Brandauer, who plays the pivotal role of the German officer, is actually Austrian and was a prominent actor in German-language cinema before this role.
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