"The Two of Us" *** 1\2 (out of ****)To be honest I've grown a little tired of Holocaust movies. Every year I'd say we get at least 92 Holocaust themed movies. It is one of Hollywood's favorite subjects. But Claude Berri's "The Two of Us" (1968) is not so much about the Holocaust as it is about tolerance.
The film is said to be based on the real life experiences of the director, Berri. A Jew who was sent to live with strangers during the Nazi occupation of France. The boy's parents were afraid young Claude would expose their identity and their hiding spot. Claude was the kind of child who got into much trouble in school.
With the fear of war looming over their lives the parents decide it is best that Claude go into hiding with a Catholic elderly family. The problem. The people are anti-Semitic. Therefore the boy's religion is kept secret.
It is an interesting set-up which becomes scary when we think that it is all true. To think what families had to endure during the war. The constant fear of the Nazis taking you away and sending you to your death. To split a family apart.
The boy is played by Alain Cohen and his name is Claude. The elderly man is Pepe (Michel Simon). They are the heart and soul of the film. The two form a bond. The young Claude learns of all the prejudice in the world and in man's heart as Pepe may or may not have learned all people are equal.
What I think makes "The Two of Us" so enjoyable to watch is the way it treats its characters and situations. The film doesn't become a big cliche. We believe in these characters. We come to like them. We believe in the friendship formed between the boy and the man. Director Berri has a way of fleshing these characters out. The film has sentimental moments but never goes overboard.
What is remarkable about that is that this was Cohen's first movie role. He has a natural quality to him. He isn't one of those disgustingly cute kids who say the darnest things. He is a character with emotions. The film is basically told from his point of view. We see the world as he does and as a result we understand his concerns and fears. The viewer is able to see him grow as a human being. That's no small feat for a filmmaker and child actor.
Pepe is played by the legendary actor Michel Simon. Movie buffs will recall his performances from the 1930s and working with such highly regarded filmmakers as Marcel Carne in "Port of Shadows" (1938), one of my favorite films. And Carne's "Drole de Drame" (1937) as well as Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved From Drowning" (1932) perhaps his most famous role though strangely enough, not one of my favorites.
The viewer may not like what Pepe says. He is a kind of Archie Bunker type. He believes in all the stereotypes thrown at Jews. That they started the war by financing it. That all Jews are only out to make money and such. But, while we may not like what he says Simon is somehow able to make us like his character. I suppose, for no matter how backwards his thoughts may be, he is capable of love. He does love this child. He treats him as his own. This reminds us that no person is perfect. Sometimes even bad people engage in kind acts. Of course the looming question is, what would Pepe do if he found out Claude was a Jew?
SPOILER ALERT:
Some have suggested that Pepe's last line in the film hints that he has found out about Claude. Others, such as myself, believe this is not true. As Pepe complains that the world around him is going crazy, my feeling is, Pepe has simply given up. His life is too short to hate everyone. Better to just realize, yes, the world is full as people I don't like, but, you know what, I can't change it.
Still, part of me does wish there was a scene where Pepe does find out Claude is a Jew. If the movie were remade, I bet there would be a scene like that. The film would show us Pepe learning the error of his ways. He may hate Jews but could he hate a child?
SPOILER END
Claude Berri is probably best known in this country for his epic film series; "Jean de Florette" and "Manon of the Spring" (1987). And he was the producer of Roman Polanski's adaptation of "Tess" (1980), which was nominated for an Oscar. His films have a way of getting inside their characters' heads. He shows us simple people with problems we can relate to. His films show us the ugly nature of society but counter it with hopeful messages.
Thinking it over, the film probably should have been included in my "Masterpiece Film Series". It meets my qualifications. However, it was only recently I made an entry. It is too soon for another. But, whether or not I include it in the series doesn't matter. The bottom-line is I'm telling you to see it.
"The Two of Us" is one of those rare movie experiences that can make us laugh and cry. It is one of those movies we don't want to end. We hate to part with these characters. Some will wonder, will then am I giving the film 3.5 stars instead of 4? I do have a few problems with the film. After Claude is sent away I wish there were some scenes dealing with the parents (Charles Denner and Zorica Lozic) showing us the toll being away from their son had on them. We don't even hear Claude speak of them or ask about them. And I revealed another plot point I don't like in the spoiler. But these are minor complaints when you compare it to how much the film gets rights and how it makes us feel.
The film was nominated for a Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival where Simon did win an acting award. Sadly it wasn't nominated for an Oscar. When will the Academy ever do anything right?
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