The Exception (2016) User Reviews

An underrated movie with great acting.

[kendmonk · 8/10 · 16 July 2017]

This is a movie and in my humble opinion is totally underrated. Yes, there are a few flaws but don't most movies have them? The story starts off slow but soon picks up and keeps you interested to the final credits. Christopher Plummer as usual plays the part to perfection. As do most of the characters in the movie. I really enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it.

Christopher Plummer Is One Extraordinary Actor

[LeonardKniffel · 8/10 · 6 May 2020]

Christopher Plummer is in his old age one of the finest actors the silver screen has ever known. Here he play Kaiser Wilhelm, German emperor in exile in Holland at the onset of World War II. As the suspenseful plot unfolds, his performance draws us into the plight of Germans, including the Kaiser's wife, who began to recognize the evil intentions of the Nazi regime. Reviewers need to remember that this is a movie, the characters are invented, but the point of view is clear and beats the ridiculous premise of films like Inglorious Basterds. Yes folks there were thousands of people who resisted, Germans among them.

If You Enjoy WWII Movies, You'll Definitely Enjoy This!

[Brice719 · 7/10 · 19 August 2017]

Much like most of the people who will watch this movie, it caught my eye simply because of my obsession with films based around the war, and this time in history.

This film is not very historically accurate, so if that is important to you, you better stay away. HOWEVER if you do don't much care for historical accuracy, and you are looking for a Nazi War Film with superb acting, then this is DEFINITELY the film for you!

The Acting, wardrobe, and cinematography were all excellent in this movie!

(7/10) - The only reason i am giving this movie a 7/10 is because this movie is somewhat predicable, as is the case for most "Romantic Movies", but it is still an amazing story that i would recommend anyone to watch!

Christopher Plummer

[GManfred · 7 July 2017]

This is the main reason to see this picture, an old-timer at the top of his game at the ripe old age of 87. Acting skill and impeccable timing still at its best as he enters the character of Kaiser Wilhelm hoping to make a comeback as the ruler of his beloved homeland. He gets scant help from the two principals, Lily James and Jai Courtney, and you find yourself waiting for Plummer's next appearance.

The story which has been recounted in other reviews is good and is basically a love story between James and Courtney. There is little action in this character study, but mention must be made of Eddie Marsan, who gives a hypnotic and creepy performance as Heinrich Himmler, Hitler's Gestapo Chief. His portrayal is chilling and repulsive and he is an arresting presence on screen (no pun intended). "The Exception" is interesting and absorbing - especially when Plummer is front and center.

Delightful war fluff, well acted!

[zink-paul · 7/10 · 22 June 2017]

I'm giving this an "8" simply for the fine acting and commanding presence of Christopher Plummer (I keep wanting to say "Sir Christopher Plummer") as the aged but sprightly and opinionated Kaiser Wilhelm II. I'm torn between calling this the most enjoyable silly film, or the silliest enjoyable film, I've seen in a while, but I found it captivating, even though it's almost certainly sheer fiction regarding any historical accuracy. Although I relished the early and frequent appearance of nudity and rampant sex, what I really wanted more of was extra screen time for the Kaiser's extensive wardrobe of military and imperial uniforms. Notable acting props also to Janet McTeer as the Kaiser's consort, and to Eddie Marsan as a glum, coldly business-like Heinrich Himmler.

Extraordinary Christopher

[d_anast · 7/10 · 26 June 2017]

The film is a typical euro meager budget co-production with a nice little plot and the substance of an eclair, but the delight here is viewing Christopher Plummer showcasing his pure love of acting. He has reached legendary dimensions in his ability and he joyously devours each part he gets these days regardless of the material. He has become in many ways someone he played: John Barrymore. Same love of tricks and hypnotic magnetism. But what a joy to behold. If you want a master class in the study of a near 90 year old acting magician see this!

Exceptional!

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 14 June 2017]

Another movie in a large amount of World War II movies coming out these days, Lilly James plays a Jewish spy for the Brits who has a forbidden love affair with a German Nazi assigned to babysit the Prince of Germany for Hitler.

Christopher Plummer  was so amusing as the Prince of Germany. It was an excellent performance by a seasoned actor. Made me want to know more about the man he played and weather he lives up to the performance.

The movie was able to develop a large amount of emotions for me as it comes back and forth from romance to drama to war epic and even comedy.  Very well done (Just a little whimsical to make those dramatic scenes even darker and the darkness of the drama makes you more compassionate about the love story happening.)

Maybe the best performance in The Exception comes from Jai Courtney as the German Nazi. Some of the best work he has ever done.  Gives a lot to his role.  Actually a little too much as I saw his penis, but hey it's only fair right as I saw Lilly James' lady parts.

Like it a lot.

Spy drama comes to life in the second half

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 28 June 2017]

As "The Exception" (2016 release from the UK and Belgium) opens, we are told it is "Berlin, May 1940" (the Nazis have just invaded Belgium, Holland and France). For reasons not yet clear, the Nazis decide to send Captain Brandt to Utrecht, the Netherlands to guard the exiled Kaiser Willem II. As Brandt settles in, he starts a passionate affair with Mieke, one of the local maids working for Willem II, and she reveals to him she is Jewish. Along the way, we also start to know the thinking of Willem II and his wife, who both still are hoping for a return to the throne. Then the news comes that the Nazis have intercepted morse code transmissions made from the nearby village that an English spy is trying to infiltrate Willem II's entourage. At this point we are 15 min. into the movie, but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the feature-length debut of British director David Leveaux (best known for directing theater plays). Here he brings the book "The Kaiser's last kiss" to the big screen. I have not read the book so I don't know how closely the film's script stays to the book. Given that this is a spy-related drama, one mustn't say too much that could give clues about how it all plays out (biting my tongue!). Let me just comment in general that the movie drags a bit (for me, anyway) in the first half, but really comes to life in the second half. Christopher Plummer continues his recent streak of great performances (check out last year's "Remember" if you haven't seen it yet!) in his role as Willem II, and Jai Courtney is fine as Capt. Brandt. But for me the movie was stolen, in the best possible way, by up-and-coming (and stunningly beautiful) British actress Lily James in her role as the local maid Mieke. Surely we have not seen the last of her. Bottom line: this is a fine movie, bringing a mix of spy drama and romance.

"The Exception" has been available on VOD since early June, so imagine my surprise when this recently showed up at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Tuesday evening screening where I saw this at was attended quite nicely (about 10 people in the theater). If you are in the mood for an ol' fashioned spy-romance movie, you could do a lot worse than watching "The Exception", be it in the theater, on VOD or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray.

Not The Rule

[kirbylee70-599-526179 · 7/10 · 15 August 2017]

Novels and films have filled us with possibilities of historical events since the first written words appeared and images on celluloid blasted across movie screens. They give us the opportunity to make the impersonal facts personal, to insert characters into a story filled with what ifs rather than just the facts. Some work, some don't, but most fall somewhere in between. Such is the case with THE EXCEPTION.

Jai Courtney stars as Capt. Stefan Brandt, a WWII German officer assigned the task of security for Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer) now safely ensconced in Holland. Brandt is given the assignment in lieu of a reprimand for an event we are not yet aware of as the film begins. The Germans have invaded the Netherlands and the location of the Kaiser is now under their jurisdiction, thus Brandt's assignment.

When he arrives Brandt is instructed on how things operate here. The belief is that one day Wilhelm will return to the throne and become king once again. He is still treated as royalty, which he is, and all around him caters to that position. One of the earliest instructions Brandt is given is to never associate with the help.

Of course he ignores this instruction the first night when an invitation to dinner the next night is delivered by one of the maid, Mieke (Lily James). Before dismissing her Brandt orders her to strip and has sex with her. Mieke complies without comment and leaves when done. An attraction between the two forms and they meet behind closed doors and in secret from there on.

As all of this unfolds at the home of the Kaiser, Gestapo agents in town are seeking a British secret agent rumored to be in town. Scanning with electronic equipment they have narrowed down where orders are coming from via Morse code but haven't pinpointed it yet.

As things progress and Brandt comes to know the Kaiser for who he really is, various items are revealed to the viewer. What was the affront committed by Brandt? Who is the British spy most likely located within the Kaiser's staff or on his grounds? And does loyalty to one's country mean loyalty to one's leaders? All things come to a head when a visit by Heinrich Himmler is announced. Himmler informs the Kaiser that he is needed to return to Berlin in the coming days with the intent of placing him back on the throne. In secret he lets the local Gestapo head and Brandt know that this is just a ploy to root out those who still support the Kaiser. The plan sets in motion events that the story has led to at a faster pace.

The movie is well made on a technical level. Well shot and staged with solid directing of all involved makes the movie easy to watch. The sets and costuming are well done here, creating a movie that makes us feel we are there rather than one where spotless uniforms are the rule of the day ruining any sense of reality.

All of the actors involved do a tremendous job. Courtney stands out offering a low key approach to his character. I feel as if all other films I've seen him in have presented him in an over the top style. Here he plays Brandt as a man thinking and feeling instead of a blustering take charge man. James also does a good job here as Mieke, a woman who is torn as to what to do. And Plummer as always turns in an excellent portrayal of his character.

My only problem with the film lies in the relationship between Brandt and Mieke, at least at first. It begins almost immediately in the film and is so abrupt as to make it the one unbelievable moment in the film. Their first time alone together, while not violent, actually amounts to a rape and yet they fall for one another. I found that difficult to believe. To think that they fall in love afterwards is a bit much.

With that exception I found the movie entertaining and interesting. The plot is believable and it may stir up interests for some in what really became of Kaiser Wilhelm II for those who do not know. I know that it did in me. In the meantime the movies offers a bit of escape from a historical perspective and is worth giving a watch.

The Kaiser in exile in Holland

[Red-125 · 10/10 · 2 July 2017]

The Exception (2016) was directed by David Leveaux. The movie was produced in Belgium, but the dialog is in English.

The film is not meant to be a documentary, so we can't take it at face value. However, the basic outline of the story is true. Kaiser Wilhelm II was forced to relinquish his throne after World War I. He spent his remaining years at a secluded mansion in Holland. When Holland was invaded and conquered by the Germans, Wilhelm came under the direct authority of Germany.

In the movie, a previously wounded German army captain (Stefan Brandt, portrayed by Jai Courtney) is sent to be the commanding officer of the Kaiser's guard. Brandt is a loyal officer, but he is disgusted by the SS atrocities. He falls in love with one of the maids, Mieke de Jong, portrayed by the beautiful Lily James. She is Jewish, but Brandt isn't anti-Semitic, so he pursues his romance with Mieke.

Historically, Heinrich Himmler, the Reichsführer of the SS, did, indeed, visit the Kaiser in Holland. That visit is the lynchpin to the plot. (If the visit had been invented for plot purposes, we wouldn't believe it. However, Himmler really did visit.)

The key role in the film is that of Kaiser Wilhelm II, played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer. Plummer is a consummate actor, and he makes the role come alive.

I think that the manner in which the Kaiser is portrayed takes the movie the furthest away from historical reality. In the film he's shown as a more-or-less kindly old man who loves to feed his ducks. According to Wikipedia, he remained a harsh, haughty aristocrat. However, the movie will only work if we believe that the Kaiser also has a softer side, so that's what we see.

I want to alert IMDb readers to watch for the work of Janet McTeer, who portrays the Kaiser's wife, Princess Hermine. She has no great love for the Nazis, but she is willing to go to any lengths to see that her husband returns to Germany and is restored to his monarchy. She is a German Lady Macbeth--cold, calculating, and decisive.

We saw this film at the wonderful Little Theatre in Rochester, NY. It will work well on the small screen. The movie carries an anemic 6.8 IMDb rating. It's much, much better than that. The plot is interesting, the acting is outstanding, and the direction is excellent. Don't be fooled by the low rating--this is a movie that I highly recommend.

A rollicking good yarn

[ozjosh03 · 7/10 · 24 September 2017]

The Exception works a good premise into a rollicking spy-romance that, once it hits its stride, delivers on both the suspense and the action. In that sense, it's an old-fashioned movie - one that hooks you in, stays just a step ahead and doesn't out-stay its welcome. Christopher Plummer gives a bravura performance as the former Kaiser. Janet McTeer is typically excellent as his wife. And the two young leads are attractive, in and out of their clothes, if no threat to Streep and DeNiro. Okay, so the story doesn't entirely accord with historical fact. Yes, Wilhelm never quite gave up on a restoration of the monarchy. Yes, Hermine actively petitioned the Nazi's on his behalf. But that's about where it ends. In truth, Wilhelm was as much an anti-semite as the Nazis. And the Nazis thought him an old fool, not worth bothering with. Still, it's worth the suspension of disbelief for the duration of the movie.

Very good indeed

[lopezpatricia-06139 · 10/10 · 12 February 2022]

Just the right amount of drama and thriller and love story. All with a dollop of history. Lily and Christopher were excellent as ever. A must watch. Quite sexual also.

romanticized but worth seeing

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 6 October 2018]

I enjoyed this film, particularly the acting of Christopher Plummer. He played Kaiser Wilhelm as a kindly old man, which he had to in order to get the fictional romance aspect to work. The Kaiser was arrogant in real life and definitely an anti-Semite. Hitler had no use for him and thought he was an idiot.

Kaiser Wilhelm was in exile in Holland; as in the film, he was offered sanctuary by Churchill in England, but he refused, preferring to stay in Holland until his death at the age of 82. He hoped to be restored to the throne, but that didn't happen.

In this story, Mieke (Lily James), a Dutch maid working in the Kaiser's household, is actually a spy feeding information to the local priest. He is using a hidden cipher machine to pass along information, but the Nazis are aware the machine is somewhere in the village.

Mieke meets Stefan, the German in charge of guarding the Kaiser (Jai Courtney), They fall in love -- leaving both of them in a difficult situation.

More of a romance than anything else, The Exception is a fanciful story with some good performances, including Janet McTeer as the Kaiser's wife and the young James as Mieke. Courtney gives a subtle performance as someone who needs to hide his true feelings.

So So World War II Romance

[JackCerf · 5/10 · 3 July 2017]

This seems to have been assembled out of bits of better World War II movies. It gives us Christopher Plummer doing Captain von Trapp in old age. It gives us, like the superior Black Book, the frisson of a German officer committing Rassenschande with a beautiful and spirited Jewish woman. It gives us intrigue by British Intelligence. It gives us the cousin of that cliché the Good German -- the Honorable Prussian Conservative, a good patriot who wants Germany to win the war, of course, but considers the Nazis to be too extreme and downright vulgar. It meditates on the fine distinctions between people who merely think that Jews are distasteful and altogether to conspicuous and influential, and people who take those opinions to their logical conclusion.

What it does have have going for it is that, however improbable the relationship written for them, Lily James and Jai Curry are extremely attractive young people who have a "boi-i-i-i-ng" moment when they first set eyes on each other and who plausibly portray sheer animal attraction. Most of what surrounds that is nonsense.

A pleasant surprise

[Gordon-11 · 21 June 2017]

This film tells the story of an army official in Nazi Germany, who is responsible for finding out the spy in the Dutch royal residence. He develops a romance with the Jewish maid, and he is forced to choose side.

I normally do not have high expectations for films I have not heard of, therefore I was pleasantly surprised by "The Exception". The plot is engaging, as it makes viewers care for both the German soldier and the Jewish maid. The production is good, and the sets are convincing. Jai Courtney is charming as the army officer, and I think he attracts adoration, sympathy and respect for his character.

wartime espionage

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 4 May 2018]

It's 1940 Berlin. Army Capt. Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) is on the outs after an incident during the Poland invasion. He is sent to Holland to guard former Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). He follows the victorious advancing German forces to find the former ruler bitter at his losses and his wife Hermine (Janet McTeer) eagerly pushing for the monarchy to be reinstalled. Colonel Sigurd von Ilsemann (Ben Daniels) is the chief of staff and Mieke de Jong (Lily James) is the new maid. Gestapo Inspector Dietrich is searching for a British spy suspected to be in the nearby village. The situation comes to a head when SS Commander Heinrich Himmler arrives to meet Wilhelm.

It's an interesting wartime espionage film until Mieke essentially reveals her situation to Stefan. I assumed that she was playing him but apparently the movie was about her falling in love with him. I don't buy this central premise and that does irk me for the rest of the movie. In order to sell him as the Exception, the Poland incident really needs to be the first scene. The movie needs to make him the hero of the piece. I'm not necessarily a fan of Jai but that is all on the movie. Lily James does the best she can and there are some great veteran actors around. They make this better than its worth.

Some tense moments but...

[chet19 · 6/10 · 25 June 2018]

The Exception is a decent thriller about a British spy in the middle of German-occupied Holland. It's not horrible, and we didn't hate it. However, when you watch a movie like this, you get the perception that the Germans were a fine group of men with warm hearts. Brant disobeys orders more that he follows them. Like in many other movies where we are supposed to root for the cliched "good Nazi." It's not original any more. In real life, the Kaiser was a major instigator in WW1, but here he's just a sympathetic old man who did nothing wrong. The colonel who runs the Kaiser's household? Yet another Nazi who not only helps the enemy, but he helps a traitor (Brant) to help the enemy. You find out that a staff member is secretly Jewish? No problem, I can ignore my orders because you slept with me. Let's say you already suspect the maid is a spy. You know she has a gun because you smell the oil. You know she has secret meetings in town because you follow her daily. You know she is hiding the fact that she's Jewish. You know she has military training because she knows all about nazi medals and military ranks. All of these obvious clues, and yet you can't put 2+2 together? If only the real Germans had so many clueless and nice guys during WW2.

Good film, dynamic performance by Plummer

[elect_michael · 7/10 · 14 February 2021]

This is a good film with an extremely good and dynamic performance by Christopher Plummer. It's hard to believe that Plummer was 86 years old when this film was released and still had the dynamics that were so influential to actors like Al Pacino.

Middle of the Road Romance War Drama

[johnsjl · 6/10 · 30 August 2017]

I didn't read the 2003 book The Kaiser's Last Kiss, on which the movie is based. So, I am simply reviewing the movie without critiquing its loyalty to the book.

Let me just say, the movie wasn't exceptional in either the good or the bad way. It was middle of the road. You could tell it was a quick stop for both Jai Courtney and Lily James in their careers, before they make it onto the A-List via another movie.

In a nutshell the movie checks some big ticket items. Good looking, young, promising main cast. Strong supporting actors with long resumes (I am looking at you Christopher Plummer). A plot taking place around a major historical event. And romance. What more could you want? Well…

The main problem I had with this movie, and which is the building block of the whole plot, is their love affair. It starts out so promptly, that I thought I may have missed something. As it turns out, I don't think I missed anything, Lily James' character simply shows up one night at Jai Courtney's door and the rest is history from there. It still doesn't make sense to me, but I gave up and gave in and just went with it. In turn, I was able to enjoy their love story.

Historically speaking, if you are looking for a World War II movie, this isn't your movie. Yes, everyone is there surrounding a real life historical person during a real life historical event, but that is about it. It is actually Kaiser Wilhelm II, who is the exception in this fictional romance tale. Overall, there isn't too much on the action front in this movie and is accurately described as a "romance, war drama" (Wikipedia).

One last thing on the historical front, I do think the movie tried to confront the hard truth of German soldiers during World War II. Just because you belonged to the military, did everyone agree with the overall mission of the Reich? After all, Jai Courtney's German soldier falls in love with a Jewish woman. Maybe love is the exception, but maybe it isn't after all. Who really knows? Instead of the movie taking an in depth look into the mind of a German soldier, it takes the route of romance, which I was completely alright with.

As for the acting, I thought they did a good job. While Jai Courtney isn't a stranger to lists ranking poor acting skills, he wasn't horrible. I actually had never heard of him before this movie (clearly I was living under a rock during the Suicide Squad frenzy) and was surprised to find him on such lists. Sure, "wasn't horrible" isn't saying much, but he is getting by on more than just his good looks in this movie. I thought Lily James did an exceptional job portraying her complicated character with the tools she was given. Quite frankly, I thought the two of them were a nice pairing. She brought the compassion to his cold demeanor.

There are highs and there are lows. You do end up rooting for the couple, who manage to stay alive due to luck and a questionable plot. Overall, I enjoyed the movie and actually liked the ending. I won't spoil it, but it seemed appropriate.

At 6.7 stars I expected a bit more, but tend to agree that it is a fair rating. If just looking over the summary of the movie, you would think it could have the potential to be an Academy Award nominee. However, the movie just never gets that deep. It doesn't keep you at the edge of your seat, but it lets you escape into a world where possibly the only exception is love.

Not exceptional

[pietclausen · 6/10 · 5 August 2018]

Don't be fooled into believing this story, it is entirely fictional! Yes, Kaiser Wilhelm II was exiled in Holland but the Mieke and Stefan affair never took place and indeed these characters did not exist and there was no spy!

For a minute I thought that I missed this part in history as I knew nothing about it, but right at the end of the film it confirms that it is a work of fiction.

With that out of the way, it is an interesting movie but not exceptional. Had the producers indicated at the beginning of the movie that it is a work of fiction, I would have enjoyed it much more.

A beautifully honed film

[gradyharp · 10/10 · 4 June 2017]

THE EXCEPTION is exceptional! Based on the novel 'The Kaiser's Last Kiss' as adapted for the screen by Simon Burke and directed with great sensitivity by David Leveaux this quiet little film offers insights into the Germany as usurped by Adolf Hitler from Kaiser Wilhelm II – a portion of history rarely mentioned or filmed.

Captain Stefan Brandt, a German soldier (Jai Courtney) tries to determine if the Dutch resistance has planted a spy to infiltrate the home of Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer) in Holland during the onset of World War II, but falls for a young Jewish Dutch woman Mieke de Jong (Lily James) during his investigation. Living in a lavish mansion in Holland the Kaiser is accompanied by his wife Princess Hermine (Janet McTeer), Col. Sigurd von Ilsemann (Ben Daniels), and General Falkenberg (Anton Lesser). When they are visited by Himmler (Eddie Marsan) the energy between Stefan and Mieke strengthens and the manner in which Mieke is saved form discovery as a spy provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Excellent acting, lush photography (Roman Osin), a fine music score (Ilan Eshkeri), and reminder of the 'transition' between a monarchy and Hitler's Third Reich make for a very excellent film.

The Kaiser in Holland

[richardchatten · 6/10 · 25 February 2022]

Not many people realise The Kaiser outlived Neville Chamberlain. Barry Foster (of all people!) gave a towering performance as him in the TV series 'Fall of Eagles', which ended the day he arrived at his new home in Holland; where the old boy apparently mellowed considerably (in 1937 he actually wrote to Herbert Wilcox to tell him how much he'd enjoyed his recent film about his grandmother).

This fanciful postscript set in 1940 provides the pleasure of seeing Christopher Plummer as the Kaiser in old age, sporting a white beard that makes him look like Don Quixote and portrayed as jolly but indiscreet and with a hair-trigger temper.

According to this account a toad-like Himmler played by Eddie Marsan paid a personal visit to Hoorn after the fall of Holland; at which point it becomes more and more unbelievable by the minute.

Plummer steals the show

[robertocacciaglia · 10/10 · 24 August 2019]

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, the story, photography etc. Once more, I realised what a magnificent actor Christopher Plummer is. This time, however, he had the power to move me to tears. I am not sure whether Kaiser Wilhelm had the same sense of humour and, on the whole, was the same sympathetic character Plummer impersonated. In any case, a magisterial and touching performance.

A tepid romance

[ilovesaturdays · 6/10 · 29 March 2020]

I tried to like this movie, really did, but I just couldn't do it. The history is all wrong, the romance is tepid, & the conclusion is rushed & unrealistic. Many other reviewers have also commented on the historical inaccuracies and I totally agree with them. My biggest problem was that I didn't believe in the love story. Also, for the purpose of romanticization, the basic nature of the Kaiser was altered. So, we got an eccentric yet good-natured grandfatherly figure who takes a deep interest in the protagonists' love story. Why should a deposed king, whose every wish was to get his throne back, care about a romance between two people who were both his enemies in a way? I realize that liberties need to be taken to move the story along & to make the whole situation seem prettier to the audiences. But, in that case, why not call the characters fictitious & then play around as much as you like? The saving grace of the movie is the spectacular performances by the cast. Plummer, McTeer & Daniels are phenomenal. The cinematography is good too.

Good Premise, Average Execution

[mpmemrm · 5/10 · 23 July 2017]

Christopher Plummer, Janet McTeer, and Eddie Marsan were excellent, but the film itself was just average. Even the little bit of sex and violence in this film was gratuitous, though the film takes place during WWII. Were all Wehrmacht officers rapists? I'm no expert, but I don't think so. Kind of disappointing.