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(France) Directed by Claude Berri (Jean de Florette, Germinal)
Cast: Gérard Depardieu, Michel Blanc, Phillipe Noiret, Gérard Desarthe
Plot: After World War II France is trying to put itself back together. The small village in this story is no exception. As a schoolhouse is improvised and other normal functions are slowly rebuilt there's the question of what to do with the Nazi sympathizers. There are genuine Nazis in this village, Loin (Desarthe) for one. But the local tavern keeper, the alcoholic Leopold (Depardieu), is a large-living man who has stepped on many toes in the village and he's about to be accused of being a collaborator.
Claude Berri, the director, likes political stories (eg Germinal), and the politics in this small village make for a heartbreaking and intriguing story. Great performances by a very strong cast all around.
Trivia: The diminutive Michel Blanc, who plays a communist in this film, was teamed with Depardieu in quite a different way in Menage where the hulky Depardieu was smitten with the mousy Blanc.
Awards: Got a César nomination for Best Director
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