Grand Illusion

Watched the restored version. Quality is impeccable. Can't say I like the movie though. It's often more like a fun movie about a summer camp than it's a war movie. Of course this is also a problem of expectations. It's often considered to be one of he best movies of all time. I am a bit disappointed. It's a French movie and yet it's full of stereotypes: the French drink wine all day. Dining fine food is of the utmost importance for them. They like entertainment. They are not well organized. They love their national anthem. And if that's necessary they put on a travesty show to dance the cancan. Germans, British and Russians get their fair share of stereotypes too. Not even sure what's the core of this story. The French won't surrender? Or is it this strange story between the German and French aristocrats? Or is it about class barriers? Or is it about French jews? Or is it about compassionate Black Forest widows? Is it about the possibility of reconciliation between Germany and France? Is it about the possibility of Jewish life in Germany? It's a post 1933 movie after all.

Because of its reputation of being one of cinema's greatest, my expectations were very high. And it's just... alright? I really liked the third act, though.