The Rays and Shadows
2026
Drama / History
3h15
Jon Snow rated ★ 6/10
Beaucoup trop long. Aurait pu durer 1h de moins facilement, ça s’éternise sur des choses qu’on a compris. Le film est sombre et badant, parfois donne la nausée (orgies, maladie,etc) , et c’est normal vu ce que ça raconte, une période extrêmement obscure qu’il est facile de juger quand on y était pas et qu’on ne connaît pas bien. J’ai aimé que le film ne juge pas ces personnages, facilement détestables mais les rende humain. Jean Dujardin est très bon, elle est très juste mais extrêmement badante. Sans doute un choix du réal. Le fait d’avoir choisi que le film soit constamment narré est tellement dommage! Ça me sortait à chaque fois du film et ça n’apporte rien.
Synopsis
Jean and Otto, a French newspaperman and a young German Francophile, are fighting for peace in Europe. Jean’s daughter, Corinne, is launching a brilliant acting career in the film world, but war breaks out and France is occupied. The two friends have a major role to play in this new France. Jean becomes a big press baron and an ardent advocate of collaboration with the occupying forces, while Otto becomes the Reich’s ambassador in Paris. Corinne, meanwhile, finds herself thrown into the lion’s pit.
Community Reviews
Viewers generally appreciate 'The Rays and Shadows' for its deep dive into the complex themes of collaboration during the Occupation, highlighted by strong performances, especially from Jean Dujardin and Nastya Golubeva. The film's portrayal of the gradual moral descent of its characters is both compelling and thought-provoking, offering a nuanced perspective on a dark chapter of history. However, its lengthy runtime and some pacing issues have been points of criticism.
👍 Strong performances and a nuanced portrayal of historical collaboration.
👎 The film's length and slow pacing may not appeal to everyone.
