This film came as a pleasant surprise, reminiscent of last year’s Oscar winner, 'Ida.' While they share the fact that both are black and white films, there's really not much else to compare—they have strikingly similar portrayals of their female leads. Like 'Marie’s Story,' this one was inspired by another Hollywood film, 'Broken Lullaby,' which I haven’t seen but intend to check out soon; it seems relatively obscure. The story revolves around World War I and focuses on a young woman grappling with the loss of her fiancé. The drama unfolds over nearly two hours, at a deliberate pace, yet I never felt that it dragged or became tedious. It's from the director of 'In the House,' another impressive work, and for me, this one seemed just as remarkable. The number of characters is limited, but each is exceptionally well-developed, with new ones gradually introduced later on. The actress in the title role appears for only about four or five minutes throughout the entire film; her presence serves as a central theme and the catalyst for the narrative, even though the plot then shifts to another direction. The saying "to hide one lie, a thousand lies are needed" seems to perfectly encapsulate what this film is truly about—the ongoing process of living and evolving. It conveys a moral message: someone’s mistake can lead to another person bearing the consequences, even after that initial person has moved on. It's a deeply moving story, though not overly sentimental. Life’s journey often takes unexpected turns, especially when romance blossoms at a time when it’s least anticipated. > ❝What would the truth bring? More pain, more tears.❞ It isn't a war film in the traditional sense; rather, World War I serves as the backdrop for everything that happens. There are only brief scenes—less than five minutes—of actual combat footage, but those moments add to the atmosphere when flashbacks occur. It’s primarily a drama set just after the end of WWI, depicting a young German woman mourning her fiancé's death. She encounters a French man who claims his friend came to offer condolences. He meets with the family and shares memories of happy times spent together in Paris before the war; they all get along well, despite societal disapproval. The first half of the film progresses slowly but steadily, culminating in an unexpected twist. The second half then takes the story in a completely new direction, filled with mysteries. I found myself speculating about what would happen next, and while I was often correct, I appreciated how events unfolded organically. The setting shifts to France, where more twists and turns emerge. While the pace remains consistent, developments make it feel like time is passing quickly. World War II tends to dominate war films; seeing a film focused on WWI allows you to appreciate a different perspective—especially if the film captures the right tone, even if it's fictional. It portrays the struggles of fighting, enduring wounds, grieving losses, and rebuilding lives and nations. This is easily one of the best films I’ve seen that deals with the aftermath of World War I. The screenplay is brilliant; it deserves an award. And the cinematography is beautiful—whether due to the black and white format or not, it feels like a journey back to 1919, thanks to simple yet effective camera angles. The cast delivers wonderful performances; without them, this film would be nothing. I’m sure you’ll remember the actress who played the lead role. In certain moments, there are semi-color sequences, particularly when music takes center stage—something viewers should pay attention to since it's easily missed. It feels like an Oscar-worthy production, but its release date means it won’t be eligible for next year’s awards. Opinions will vary, of course, but I believe this is a must-see film. Those who find slow pacing challenging might want to push through the first half, as they'll likely enjoy the rest and appreciate the overall experience. It's definitely a hidden gem that simply needs more viewers. _8.5/10_

Source on TMDB