La longue marche (1966) User Reviews

Sombre, absorbing portrait of a band of the struggle for power and justice amongst a group WW2 French resistance fighters in rugged terrain.

[BOUF · 2 December 2001]

The camera work in this film is extraordinary. Shot completely on location in Totalvision ('Scope) in moutainous, rugged terrain in the South of France, a doctor, who neither supports nor opposes the French resistance, is forced to help a band of squabbling resistance fighters, who are trying to ferry a wounded minister (and friend of the Allies) to safety. There is never a clear position on who is right or wrong, and the arguments are all presented with admirable economy. Acting is excellent. Period detail is fairly negligent, as the actors are styled very much of the mid-60s, but the overall picture of muddled idealists, gung-ho bullies, and ordinary French peasants caught in between the lawless partisans and the conquering Nazis is brilliant.