Movie spotlight
Monsieur Batignole
In 1942, in an occupied Paris, the apolitical grocer Edmond Batignole lives with his wife and daughter in a small apartment in the building of his grocery. When his future son-in-law and collaborator of the German Pierre-Jean Lamour calls the Nazis to arrest the Jewish Bernstein family, they move to the confiscated apartment. Some days later, the young Simon Bernstein escapes from the Germans and comes to his former home. When Batignole finds him, he feels sorry for the boy and lodges him, hiding Simon from Pierre-Jean and also from his wife. Later, two cousins of Simon meet him in the cellar of the grocery. When Pierre-Jean finds the children, Batignole decides to travel with the children to Switzerland.
Insights
Plot Summary
In Nazi-occupied Paris, Edmond Batignole, a cynical and self-centered baker, takes advantage of the situation to profit from Jewish property. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he agrees to hide a young Jewish boy and his sister. This act of unexpected bravery forces him to confront his own prejudices and embark on a perilous journey to reunite the children with their parents.
Critical Reception
Monsieur Batignole was generally well-received by critics and audiences, particularly in France. It was praised for its blend of humor and pathos, its historical context, and Gérard Jugnot's performance. While some critics noted its somewhat lighthearted approach to a serious subject, it was largely seen as a moving and entertaining film.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its sensitive handling of a difficult historical period through a blend of comedy and drama.
Gérard Jugnot's performance as the flawed but ultimately good-hearted protagonist was a highlight.
The film effectively balances its lighter moments with the gravity of the wartime setting.
Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but the film generally resonated with viewers for its emotional core and historical narrative.
Fun Fact
Gérard Jugnot, who also directed the film, drew inspiration for the character of Batignole from a real-life figure his father knew during the occupation.
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