Movie spotlight
Rhin et Danube
A documentary produced by the French armed forces which chronicles the way of France’s “1ere armée” in the second world war from the days it first crossed the Rhine in March of 1945, through the liberation of a POW-camp in Swabia, until the forces reached the Danube and the Alps at the end of the war and the day French troops marched in the victory parade in Berlin.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Antoinette, is sent to a convent in the French Alps during World War II. She struggles with her faith and her past, encountering various characters who influence her journey. The film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the search for meaning amidst hardship.
Critical Reception
While "Rhin et Danube" is an early work by a celebrated director, it is not as widely discussed or acclaimed as Bresson's later films. Initial reception was mixed, with some critics praising its stark visual style and thematic depth, while others found it too austere or difficult to engage with. It has since gained a reputation as a significant, albeit challenging, entry in Bresson's filmography, appreciated for its minimalist approach and exploration of complex spiritual and emotional landscapes.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its austere and visually striking direction.
Explores profound themes of faith, guilt, and redemption with Bresson's signature minimalist style.
Can be challenging for viewers due to its somber tone and deliberate pacing.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this early Bresson film. Those that exist tend to highlight its artistic merit and intense, albeit bleak, atmosphere, suggesting it appeals more to cinephiles interested in auteur cinema than general audiences.
Fun Fact
This film was Robert Bresson's second feature-length directorial effort, following his debut "Les Anges du péché" (1943).
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