A Very Long Engagement

Plot

Five desperate French soldiers during The Battle of the Somme shoot themselves, either by accident or with purpose, in order to be invalided back home. Having been "caught" a court-martial convenes and determines punishment to be banishment to No Man's Land with the objective of having the Germans finish them off. In the process of telling this tale each man's life is briefly explored along with their next of kin as Methilde, fiancée to one of the men, tries to determine the circumstances of her lover's death. This task is not made any easier for her due to a bout with polio as a child. Along the way she discovers the heights and depths of the human soul.

Why watch

"A Very Long Engagement" weaves a poignant tapestry of love and loss against the backdrop of World War I, exploring the absurdity of war through the eyes of a determined fiancée. With its lush visuals and intricate storytelling, this film invites viewers to reflect on the depths of human resilience and the complexities of the heart.

Talking points

• the impact of war on personal relationships
• the nature of love and loss
• the absurdity of military bureaucracy
• the role of memory in shaping identity

Cultural context

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