Resistance
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Clemence Poesy, Ed Harris, Bella Ramsey
Directed By: Jonathan Jakubowicz
Rated: R
In World War II-era France, young Elsbeth (Bella Ramsey) slowly drifts off to sleep, until she hears the sounds of her home being ransacked. Terrifying screams ring out on the steps outside of her room. She runs out to find the source of the panic only to find a group of Nazis terrorizing her Jewish parents. They are ripped from their home into the street where the whole neighborhood is torn apart. She tries to hide from the chaos, but cannot escape the horror of seeing both of her parents killed right before her eyes. What started as a night as any other has swiftly changed the course of her life forever.
That night will also change the course of Marcel Marceau’s (Jesse Eisenberg, giving quite a meaningful performance), life forever. Marcel is a struggling actor who works in his father’s butcher shop. His art is the top priority in life, and getting others to see its value is the goal. He is encouraged to focus on a broader mission when his cousin, Georges (Geza Rohrig) informs him that he is working to find a home for orphaned children whose parents were killed by the Nazis. Marcel is reluctant to agree to help with the mission but joins in when he sees Emma (Clémęnce Poésy) the woman he loves has stepped up to help with the cause.
The second he sees the children; his life is changed. They are orphans looking for help, stability, and safety. Maybe he can help. His artistic endeavors prove vital for the children. The first child he sees is Elsbeth, who is too scared to get out of the van when they reach the new home for the orphans. Marcel uses his comedic acting talents to put her mind at ease. She doesn’t have to be afraid; this is a safe place. His art makes it feel safe for all of the children almost instantly, as he puts on lighthearted mime shows that keep them entertained.
Photo courtesy of IFC Films
Unfortunately, Hitler lurks around every corner and Nazi forces invade the area of France that the orphans have found refuge. Klaus Barbie (Matthias Shweighöfer), a brutal officer, stalks every step the Jewish Resistance makes with brutal force. So, the team sets out on a journey to keep the orphans safe far away from Nazi occupation. It will be a grueling journey, but resistance is the only way to survive.
I appreciate the way director and screenwriter Jonathan Jakubowicz paints a portrait of the essential need for art against the landscape of war. Marcel would be unable to survive without his art. Despite detractors, he does not waiver in his devotion to his craft. He carries that passion for performance and comedy to the children which leads them to find joy in the most difficult moments. The children are able to laugh and escape from fear due to Marcel’s performances. When violence ran rampant around every corner, the brave works of Marcel and the Resistance saved so many lives.
One element of the film that stuck out a bit to me was the inclusion of Ed Harris as American general George Patton. He serves as the framing device for the story to introduce Marcel. Yet, it really doesn’t feel necessary considering his character is only present in two scenes. It kind of just seems like a way the movie could plaster the “Ed Harris” name on the poster.
Before seeing Resistance, I didn’t know anything about Marcel Marceau. Now, I know the riveting story behind the man who is considered to be “the most important mime of all time” and World War II hero. He found a way to make his art a shining light in times of trouble. The film serves as an important reminder of the heroes that worked tirelessly to save the lives of children during one of the world’s darkest times.
My Rating: 7/10
Resistance is now available to rent on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and Vudu.