Army of Crime
Army of Crime

Movie spotlight

Army of Crime

2009
Movie
139 min
French

This gripping historical drama recounts the story of Armenian-born Missak Manouchian, a woodworker and political activist who led an immigrant laborer division of the Parisian Resistance on 30 operations against the Nazis in 1943. The Nazis branded the group an Army of Crime, an anti-immigrant propaganda stunt that backfired as the team's members became martyrs for the Resistance.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users88%
Director: Jean-Pierre JeunetGenres: War, Drama, History, Crime

Plot Summary

In Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, a young woman named Marie and her resistance group, the 'Manouchian Group', fight back against the occupying forces through acts of sabotage and defiance. The film chronicles their daring missions, the increasing danger they face, and the eventual betrayal that leads to their capture and execution.

Critical Reception

Army of Crime received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its historical scope, strong performances, and Jeunet's distinctive visual style. While some found the pacing occasionally uneven, most acknowledged the film's powerful portrayal of resistance and sacrifice during a dark period of history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking depiction of wartime Paris and the bravery of the resistance fighters.

  • Commended for strong lead performances, particularly Audrey Tautou, who embodies resilience.

  • Noted for its compelling narrative exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's historical narrative and the compelling story of resistance, highlighting the strong emotional impact and the performances of the cast.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of the Manouchian Group, a diverse resistance unit composed primarily of immigrants who were active in Paris during World War II.

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