by Krista Madden
Based on Irène Némirovsky’s novel of the same name, Suite Francaise centres on a romance between a French villager and a German soldier during the early years of the German occupation. Amongst the horror and pain of war, this is a very powerful love story that is intensely played out by Williams and Schoenaerts, just a look from across a room has them heaving with desire.
Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts plays the role of Commander Bruno von Falk. Kristin Scott Thomas plays the domineering mother-in-law of Michelle Williams’ Lucille. The relationships between these three are compelling to watch, I really enjoyed this film and found the story so romantic, despite the dangers of Nazi occupation of a small village dominating the film.
Irène Némirovsky, the author of the novel the film is based on, died in Auschwitz in 1942. The manuscript was discovered by her daughter 50 years later and published in 2004. It was an immediate success. Definitely one for your movie calender.
Suite Francaise is in UK cinemas now, make sure to book your tickets soon.
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