Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint has offered high praise for the newly released wartime biopic De Gaulle: Résistance, calling the film “totally gripping” and “the best film I’ve seen this year.”
Directed by Antonin Baudry and released across UK cinemas on 28 August, the drama explores the fall of France in 1940 and the pivotal relationship between French general Charles de Gaulle and British prime minister Winston Churchill.
Writing after a screening, Lord Hanson recommended the film as a study of political history and resilience:
“I think this is the best film I’ve seen this year — a whole new perspective on the fall of France in #ww2, defiance, sacrifice, & resistance & it’s a go see from me.
“Thanks to @vuecinemas for showing.
“This is part 1 of a two part — a classic of politics & war.
“Totally gripping.”
A cinematic exploration of defiance and realpolitik
Adapted from British historian Julian Jackson’s biography A Certain Idea of France, the film stars Simon Abkarian as Charles de Gaulle and Sir Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill. It traces de Gaulle’s escape to London following the French capitulation and his work alongside Churchill to forge the Free French movement.
The first instalment of a two-part epic focuses on the diplomatic manoeuvring between London and the French resistance, highlighting the personal and political sacrifices made to keep the cause of a free France alive during the darkest days of the Second World War.
The production has been praised for its detailed portrayal of wartime decision-making, international alliance-building and moral leadership in a time of national crisis.
