The Last Metro
The Last Metro

Movie spotlight

The Last Metro

1980
Movie
131 min
French

In occupied Paris, an actress wed to a Jewish theater owner must keep him hidden from the Nazis while doing both of their jobs.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users88%
Director: François TruffautGenres: Drama, Romance, War

Plot Summary

During the Nazi occupation of Paris in World War II, a theater director secretly takes over his wife's starring role in their struggling troupe's latest production. He must evade detection by the Gestapo and his own collaborators while maintaining the illusion for his actors and the audiences. The film blends personal drama, romance, and the tense atmosphere of wartime Paris.

Critical Reception

The Last Metro was critically acclaimed upon its release, praised for its masterful direction, strong performances, and its sensitive portrayal of life in occupied Paris. It was a commercial success in France and gained international recognition, solidifying its place as one of François Truffaut's most celebrated films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated blend of historical drama and intimate character study.

  • Lauded for the compelling performances, particularly from Catherine Deneuve and Gérard Depardieu.

  • Celebrated as a poignant and nuanced depiction of resilience and art under oppressive circumstances.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's compelling story set against the backdrop of wartime Paris, highlighting the strong acting and the emotional depth of the characters. The nuanced portrayal of life under occupation and the power of theater were frequently mentioned as highlights.

Awards & Accolades

Won 10 César Awards, including Best Film, Best Actor (Gérard Depardieu), and Best Actress (Catherine Deneuve), and was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actress for Deneuve).

Fun Fact

François Truffaut originally intended to cast Jacqueline Bisset as Marion Steiner but ultimately chose Catherine Deneuve, who had previously starred in his 1969 film 'Mississippi Mermaid'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Despite, or possibly because of, the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1942 the theatres and cinemas of the city are thriving. One of the most popular was in Montmartre and run by the Steiners. Now he's a Jew so they decide it best he leaves for ...