Allied - Film Review

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by Helen Belli (subscribe)

I am now living in Kariong on the Central Coast

Published January 22nd 2017

Action, romance, drama and a double agent

We believe your wife is a German Spy'

Allied is a romantic, period drama set in 1942 during WW11 and very loosely based on a true story. The opening shot grabs one's attention as Wing Commander Max Vatan [Brad Pitt] is parachuted into Morocco, of all places, outside Casablanca. So from the get go it is not difficult to start making comparisons with another film set in the same location also set in 1942.

In this instance Max is to meet his 'wife' Marianne Beausejour [Marion Cotillard], a member of the French resistance at a magnificent art deco hotel in Nazi occupied Casablanca. She is a well-connected, society girl, beautifully gowned mixing with beautiful people. When she first sets eyes on her 'husband' it is love at first sight. She flits with him unashamedly and finally he returns her advances. Max and Marianne have orders to kill the German Ambassador of Morocco at a party. With the help of other French resistance members their mission is a success with mass killing of lots of 'the enemy'.

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After their successful mission Max takes Marianne back to London. They marry and settle in the Hampstead outside London. Max is called for a briefing at his airfield.
They never say what they mean
They never mean what they say
They never talk on the phone'
Max believes he is to be promoted, instead he is told his wife could be a double agent. If it is proven he is ordered to kill her, if he doesn't she will be shot and he will be hanged. War is serious stuff.

There are many memorable scenes in this movie, love making during a sand storm in a tiny car during a sand storm, Marianne giving birth outside the hospital that has been bombed, a heart stopping moment when a plane falling from the sky that narrowly misses their home.

The music of Alan Silvester is quietly and continuously, almost inaudibly at times, adding to the drama. Magnificent gowns, the 'beautiful' people, gorgeous art deco architecture, secret service dealings and a healthy dose of romance might convert you to a fan of this Robert Zemeckis film. I, dear reader, will leave it up to you to judge the worth of this movie.

I viewed it at Cinema Paradiso, Ettalong Beach

It is now showing at selected cinemas nationwide.