Good film, with some good ideas about war and how it affects individuals, and how "opposing sides" can still get along if they find a common ground. In a nutshell it's basically about the irrationality of war, but obviously by telling it from an individualist perspective it does leave some major details out. There was some wit, and even hints of joy and laughter for subject matter so depressing, but I thought that the acting was a bit theatrical, which made this slightly unbelievable.

What it's great about Grand Illusion is Renoir's preoccupation with his characters' humanity. It's a film about WW1 that isn't concerned about european rivalries (and this is a french film, you know) but human ties. Since the first scenes, we see deep relationships or people willing to connect with each other, despite their differences, duties and nationalities. And maybe, unfortunately, there is nothing more efficient than war to make these things happen among people.

Perhaps the most human film ever made.

A classic. Renoir's study of men in war explores the bonds that bind them: be they national, fraternal, or social-class. The conflicts of these bonds are complex and troubling, and Renoir in all his implacable optimism scants none of these ponderables, though his faith was easier held before the second war than after.

i remember liking this a lot, and i have it on videotape, though i no longer have a vcr. need to see this again to give it the credit im sure it deserves.

There is not a single flaw in this film. Not an absolute favourite for me, but I admire the hell out of it.

24

It has a great sense of humour. Can see why the nazis detested it.

It's so different from other war movies, which I appreciated a lot. All of the characters are sympathetic, although I didn't think that the class interaction was as seamless as it was in The Rules of the Game. Actually, overall I didn't think it was a masterpiece like The Rules of the Game, but it's still a very interesting and important film.

The only essential POW film.

I was taken aback by how light a touch there is behind this film. Considering the subject matter I was worried the film would be didactic, but it's as far from didacticism as I could possible hope for instead being a film which lets things progress gently, which throws in plenty of light humour, and which seems to be made by a filmmaker that loves every single one of his characters. Its humanism is overwhelming.

What a great movie. Set in an Nazi concentration camp for officers. French with English subtitles.

Holding on to ones humanity and dignity in times of war, finding hope when all seems lost. Powerful themes in an expertly put-together film that are even more impressive considering the time it was made. The moments between de Boieldieu and Rauffenstein were particularly engrossing.

Review wforthcoming...