Une affaire de femmes

The text on the DVD cover says that the main protagonist provided a special kind of charity and even a peculiar kind of resistance. I would dare to disagree because she was being paid too well for her service and the occupied homeland was more or less indifferent to her. Claude Chabrol's film takes place in occupied France during World War II and is therefore a unique contribution to retro films from this era. The film's script was inspired by Francis Szpiner's book, which was based on the true life story of Marie-Louise Giraud, one of the last women executed in France. Isabelle Huppert played her character excellently. Her character Marie is a somewhat superficial and frivolous woman who is unhappy in her marriage to a war veteran and disabled person, who works as a mere assistant in construction, while his bitter wife dreams of a more successful life. When a friend asks her for help one day, Marie realizes how she could make a fortune. She develops a unique business approach. However, after being arrested by the police, a sobering reality sets in because the hypocritical authorities need to find a scapegoat to blame for the decline in moral standards and divert attention from their failures. And so, the accused woman is sent to an uncompromising court, while at the same time, Jewish children are being sent to concentration camps in Germany. It is an interesting contribution to the topic of women's emancipation and discussion regarding abortions. Strong script, quality direction, and good acting performances. A realistic, non-romanticized matter. Overall impression: 80%. (17.07.2008)

Such a peculiar film in terms of its poetics and where it actually leads. Some scenes will make you think about what you're actually watching, which is great, but at the same time, you may feel that they want to say more than the author actually intended. Or maybe I'm underestimating Chabrol. However, this is definitely not a bad film. (05.02.2016)