Betrayed by an informant, Philippe Gerbier finds himself trapped in a torturous Nazi prison camp. Though Gerbier escapes to rejoin the Resistance in occupied Marseilles, France, and exacts his revenge on the informant, he must continue a quiet, seemingly endless battle against the Nazis in an atmosphere of tension, paranoia and distrust.
Jean-Pierre Melville's 1969 wartime drama immerses viewers in the French Resistance, following a captured operative who escapes and returns to a clandestine struggle against Nazi occupation. Marked by paranoia, betrayal, and quiet sacrifice, the film treats heroism as a grim, exhausting endeavor rather than a glamorous one. Its somber, suspenseful tone explores loyalty, duty, and the moral cost of resistance. Ideal for admirers of contemplative war thrillers and classic European cinema, it rewards patient, attentive viewing. The film holds a strong MagicMovieScore of 7.9.
An automated summary to help you decide what to watch — not a user review or critic rating.

Lino Ventura
Philippe Gerbier

Paul Meurisse
Luc Jardie

Jean-Pierre Cassel
Jean-François Jardie

Simone Signoret
Mathilde

Claude Mann
Claude Ullman / The Mask

Paul Crauchet
Félix Lepercq

Christian Barbier
Guillaume Vermesch / The Buffalo

Alain Dekok
Legrain
698 ratings. The score is reasonably stable but could shift up to 0.09 as more ratings come in.
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Release Date
September 10, 1969
Runtime
2h 25m
Rating
NR
Genres
Drama, Thriller, War
Director