"The Battle of de Gaulle": A Stunning Masterpiece at the Cost of Historical Impasses

Antonin Baudry's film "La Bataille de Gaulle: L'Âge de fer" ambitiously tackles the early years of General de Gaulle's fight for a Free France. The first installment of a two-part cinematic endeavor, it covers the crucial period between 1940 and 1942, when de Gaulle rallied support from London and the French colonial empire against the German occupation.

With a substantial budget of 60 million euros and six years in the making, the film aims to capture the intensity of de Gaulle's struggle. Director Baudry, known for his 2019 submarine thriller "Le Chant du loup," freely adapts Julian Jackson's biography, "De Gaulle: A Certain Idea of France." The film employs a dual narrative, juxtaposing de Gaulle's leadership in London and Africa with the journey of Fernand, a 20-year-old Parisian student inspired by de Gaulle's radio appeal to resist the armistice.

While the film is praised for its scope and ambition, some critics suggest that its dramatic presentation leads to a simplification of historical events. The narrative, though engaging, may sacrifice historical nuance for cinematic impact. The article notes that this detailed review is reserved for subscribers.