Resistance 1942
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Resistance 1942
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Resistance 1942 (aka Burning at Both Ends) is a 2022 historical drama in which a man in Nazi-occupied France during World War II broadcasts messages of hope. Expect some violence, including shooting deaths, a bloody stabbing death, and a pistol-whipping to the head. Cigarette smoking. Wine, champagne, and cognac drinking. In a very disturbing scene, a group of Nazi officers at a fancy dinner talk about the Holocaust. A Gestapo officer says "s--t" in German. Overall, the movie highlights the power of a small group of people to effect positive change in the midst of tremendous despair.
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What's the Story?
In RESISTANCE 1942, Jacques (Cary Elwes) broadcasts messages of hope and resistance to the citizens of France while they're trying to survive the Nazi occupation. As his broadcasts grow in popularity, Gestapo agents are determined to discover where these broadcasts are coming from and to stop them at all costs. Meanwhile, Andre (Jason Patric), a wealthy Swiss banker who handles the accounts of Nazi officers, makes the acquaintance of Jacques' daughter Juliette, and begins trying to help her, Jacques, as well as Bertrand (Judd Hirsch) and Agnes, two Jewish citizens who have been hiding out with Jacque and Juliette. As the Gestapo closes in, Andre decides to relocate them to his seaside home, and as the Nazis begin to close in on them even there, Andre must decide on whether to choose his comfort or his integrity, and Jacques must make an emergency broadcast to save a village from slaughter.
Is It Any Good?
This is a solid historical drama with a positive message of hope in the midst of despair. Resistance 1942 isn't really saying anything new in the sea of movies about WWII, Nazis, and the resistance to fascism. But it's a message that bears repeating and a story that needs to continue to be told. While the Allies won the war with their military might, it was the actions of so many "average" people who acted on their convictions that helped spark and support a resistance movement to tyranny.
The acting is excellent across the board. It's particularly great to see Judd Hirsch as Bertrand, a feisty Jewish man in hiding from the Nazis and the concentration camp. His rage, and the rage of those who aren't Nazis, is palpable in one of the movie's more disturbing scenes, as Nazi officers at a fancy dinner brag about the Holocaust and how they bring "science" into their ugly conversation. Scenes like these are powerful, even if the movie as a whole isn't really saying anything new.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about historical dramas like Resistance 1942. How is this similar to and different from other historical dramas you've seen?
How does the movie convey positive messages, and how are these messages relevant to today?
How does the movie depict the different and difficult realities for citizens living in Nazi-occupied Germany and how they tried to survive?
What did you already know about WWII? Did you learn anything new? Where could you go for more information?
What characters show courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 11, 2022
- Cast: Cary Elwes, Judd Hirsch, Jason Patric
- Director: Matthew Hill
- Studio: Quiver
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Schindler's List
Accurate, heartbreaking masterpiece about the Holocaust.
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Empire of the Sun
Beautiful but grim WWII saga through a boy's eyes.
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The Diary of Anne Frank (2009)
BBC's 5-part series shows a feisty, moody, realistic Anne.
For kids who love history
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