A Secret (2007)

From NetFlix:

Claude Miller directs this engrossing drama about a Jewish boy in post-World War II Paris who stumbles upon a mysterious toy in the attic, exposing his family’s secret dark past and how it survived Nazi atrocities. Can the child grasp the devastating truth, or will it drive him deeper into his personal fantasy world? Cécile De France, Julie Depardieu, Ludivine Sagnier, Patrick Bruel and Mathieu Amalric star.

Some historical background might help:

Pierre Laval (28 June 1883 – 15 October 1945) was a French politician. He served four times as President of the council of ministers of the Third Republic, twice consecutively. Following France’s Armistice with Germany in 1940, he served twice in the Vichy Regime as head of government. After the Liberation (1945), he was arrested, found guilty of high treason, and executed by firing squad. Because his actions and motives have been the subject of controversy, over twelve biographies have been written about him.

President Laval becomes important in the very end of this marvelous but sad French film. But keep in mind that during World War II the French were just as anti-semitic and treated the French Jews in the same manner as the Germans (I purposely do not say “Nazis”). Thus what begins as a happy well-adjusted French (but unfortunately Jewish) family ends as a family fleeing persecution at the hands of the French.

But that is just the background framework around the real story which is one of love, lust, and guilt. I give nothing away by telling you that on his wedding day (before the wedding) the athletic groom (gymnast) is introduced to the brother of his bride-to-be. That brother has an amazingly beautiful and athletic wife, a champion diver. Immediately the groom is more than strongly attracted to that sister-in-law, but the wedding proceeds. The rest of the story is why you want to watch this well-acted, beautifully photographed French film (with subtitles).

I consider this film a “don’t miss”.

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