This is a well acted true story about a Pork Butcher who helped three Jewish children escape from the Nazis. It challenges the perception that many English people have had about the way that French people behaved during the Nazi occupation, by looking at the situation in a more even-handed manner. It does, however, not shy away from the issue of French collaboration with the Nazis, nor does it shy away from the issue of real prejudice against Jewish people. The characters are imbued with the different shades of humanity that most people display, and the quality of the direction and acting lift this even more. This is the first time I have seen a film directed by Gerard Jugnot, and I am impressed with his direction, as I am with his acting. Jules Sitruk is a revelation too! Tough yet vulnerable, I am certain that you will come to respect Sitruk's Simon, as well as care about him. I had previously seen Sitruk in 'Son of Rambow' and assumed he was an English actor doing a bad French accent. He is French, and really very good!
Review of Monsieur Batignole
