- Actors: Jean Gabin
- Directors: Jean Renoir
- Format: PAL
- Language French
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: U
- Studio: Optimum Home Releasing
- DVD Release Date: 13 Nov 2006
- Run Time: 109.00 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000HEZ7K2
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 20,496 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: French ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Short Film, Special Edition, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: During WWI, French Captain de Boeldieu and Lieutenant Maréchal are shot down over Germany by Captain von Rauffenstein during a reconnaissance mission. The two French officers are captured. There is an instant rapport between von Rauffenstein and de Boeldieu, who he sees like himself, a career military man of high rank who should be afforded the respect of the position. This hierarchy has nothing to do with life outside of the military. Even at the Hallbach POW camp where they are initially housed, de Boeldieu and Maréchal are treated differently within the ranks of the other POWs. de Boeldieu and Maréchal themselves treat each other cordially but with guarded friendship, only because of their current situation. Time does not change their relationship. This hierarchy becomes more pronounced when de Boeldieu and Maréchal among others are transferred to Wintersborn POW camp on the request of von Rauffenstein, who is now the commandant there. Since their last meeting, von Rauffenstein was permanently injured leading to this new assignment at Wintersborn, a converted 13th century castle. When Maréchal and fellow captive Rosenthal muse about their next escape attempt, de Boeldieu understands his position in the plot which is in keeping with his position among the other POWs and his special relationship with von Rauffenstein. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Oscar Academy Awards, Venice Film Festival, ...Grand Illusion ( La Grande Illusion )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"La Grande Illusion" is often considered one of the best movies ever made, and people like Woody Allen see it every day or something like that. It was directed in 1937 by Jean Renoir, son of painter Auguste Renoir. The setting is the 1st world war, and the protagonists are prisoners of war: three frenchmen, an aristocrat, an officer and a jew are captured by the germans. But this is no usual war film. First of all, there is no simple propagandistic message or depictions of good vs evil. On the contrary, enemy soldiers are behaving like gentlemen towards each other (often producing comic effects, as when a german guard tries to console one of the prisoners by giving him a harmonica, or the officer who begs the escapee he shot for forgiveness). And questions like why the war started and how it will end is put aside. Instead, more existential questions come to the fore. Like the futility of it all. And social questions like class relations and nationalities. It is interesting how nationalities are mixed, in the film german, french and english is spoken making it a film about Europe. Europe before the EU and before Hitler. But even so it has a timeless quality. This is an anti war-film, but not by depicting people being slaughtered or cities in ruins. Instead it feels like a celebration of life and friendship which makes the war going on seem all the more insane and a grand illusion indeed.
The DVD from Optimum is very good. The picture/transfer is excellent in every way, I watched it on a projector and it looked like new. And there are good extras: two early short movies by Renoir and two introductions, one by Renoir himself and one by film critic Jeanette Vincendeau. Both are well worth watching, Renoir gives an inspired speech to the audience and Vincendeau an analysis of the film.
Strongly recommended!
The DVD from Optimum is very good. The picture/transfer is excellent in every way, I watched it on a projector and it looked like new. And there are good extras: two early short movies by Renoir and two introductions, one by Renoir himself and one by film critic Jeanette Vincendeau. Both are well worth watching, Renoir gives an inspired speech to the audience and Vincendeau an analysis of the film.
Strongly recommended!
48 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is one of if not thee greatest french movie of all time the plot summary is During 1st WW, two French officers are captured. Captain De Boeldieu is an aristocrat while Lieutenant Marechal was a mechanic in civilian life. They meet other prisoners from various backgrounds, as Rosenthal, son of wealthy Jewish bankers. They are separated from Rosenthal before managing to escape. A few months later, they meet again in a fortress commanded by the aristocrat Van Rauffenstein. De Boeldieu strikes up a friendship with him but Marechal and Rosenthal still want to escape.
This has about 2 hour worth of special features including about an hours worth of silent films an introduction from jean Renoir aswell as an introuduction from french film critic Ginette Vincendeau.
What more could you ask this film has english subtitles and french audio.
This has about 2 hour worth of special features including about an hours worth of silent films an introduction from jean Renoir aswell as an introuduction from french film critic Ginette Vincendeau.
What more could you ask this film has english subtitles and french audio.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"La Grande Illusion" is one of those rare pictures where everything seems to come together- a strong cast, a good script, a healthy dose of emotion and humour and of course, excellent direction. Renoir's film is one of humanity in the face of inhumane conditions, epitomised in the grim trenches and prison camps of the First World War.
Although my command of French is limited, the language in this tri-lingual film (some characters speak German or English as well as French) is poetic, eloquent and emotive. Renoir's subtle touches make this anti-war parable as fresh today as when it first premiered to enthusiastic audiences back in 1937. The film isn't preachy or a piece of political propaganda, but rather a human story set against a dark and menacing backdrop.
This is a must see for anyone with an interest in world cinema- even if you don't understand French or German, this film captivates the imagination.
Although my command of French is limited, the language in this tri-lingual film (some characters speak German or English as well as French) is poetic, eloquent and emotive. Renoir's subtle touches make this anti-war parable as fresh today as when it first premiered to enthusiastic audiences back in 1937. The film isn't preachy or a piece of political propaganda, but rather a human story set against a dark and menacing backdrop.
This is a must see for anyone with an interest in world cinema- even if you don't understand French or German, this film captivates the imagination.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Humane Work Of Art
Jean Renoir's 1937 masterpiece La Grande Illusion is, for me, along with Stanley Kubrick's Paths Of Glory, one of the greatest 'war films' ever made. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Keith M
Is this the greatest movie ever made?
Well, no it isn't as that honour must surely go to 'Casablanca' but it is still pretty damn near the top of the list. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Comrade Mitchell
An excellent film
I did notice a bit of political correctness has appeared in the subtitles comparing it with an earlier copy that I have, but not enough to spoil the film.
Published 22 months ago by Mr. D. Bunch
Major Movie, Great DVD, Unfortunate Subtitles
Once thought to be forever lost, this is a great movie, even if some may consider it dated. We are able to enjoy some memorable performances (by Stronheim, Carette and, of course,... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mars
An excellent movie against war
A French movie which focuses on the stupidity of war and the possibility of humankind to be together.
Published on 18 Oct 2009 by Angela Livingstone
Still a fine film, but age has withered it
La Grande Illusion is one of those films whose reputation as one of the pinnacles of cinematic achievement has always seemed unfathomable to me. Read more
Published on 7 Mar 2009 by Trevor Willsmer
A real classic!
Fantastic WW1 movie about friendship during the war. Renoir is a great director, and I've always liked von Stroheim, which is as good as ever in this film.
Published on 7 Feb 2009 by Villads
Still crisp after all these years
I have watched this film many times since the Sixties; due to postings with Reuters in each of its main languages, and it remains a very strong film. Read more
Published on 24 Mar 2008 by Charles Vasey
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