The Grand Illusion (1937)

Jean Renoir’s tale of WWI fighter pilot is widely regarded as a masterpiece. I found it to be quite good. World War I has always interested me and this film paints a unique portrait of that era. What impressed me most about the movie was its spirit. It is an engaging story of human relationships that fosters dignity and hope. Yet, it doesn’t whitewash suffering or make the characters overly emotional. Simply put this is a very fine film.