Resistance - Anyone can be a hero

There is no denying that movies about World War II are generally not pleasant to watch. While some are easier to swallow than others, it is a subject matter that, for many understandable reasons, doesn't make for an entertaining (for want of a better word) experience. Not to mention, many of the films centered around this part of history tend to be nothing more than "Oscar Bait," as in movies that cater to the audience most likely to give them awards. Today's film, Resistance, is wholly separated from such association. Because even though it does not shy away from the horrors of WWII history, it delivers an important and, surprisingly, entertaining story about one man's mission to do what's right the best way he can. While the film does not shy away from the atrocities committed at that time, the story mainly showcases how anyone can defeat evil with laughter and a little imagination. 

The story follows a French performance artist named Marcel (Jesse Eisenberg) who works at his father's butcher shop. His brother is a French Army Soldier stationed at the Nazi border and ask's Marcel for his help with an important task. Marcel soon discovers that they are taking in over a hundred orphaned Jewish children and are setting them up in a temporary home. Marcel, being a performer, utilizes his talent to soothe and relieve the children of their stress by being their unofficial Class Clown. Over time, as things become more dire and dangerous, Marcel becomes more involved with helping the children by teaching them how to survive. Later on, he joins the French Resistance Movement to smuggle the kids to Switzerland. The question is, can it really be done? 

Despite the film's subject matter, it never falls into complete doom & gloom. Sure, it has some unpleasant dark moments here and there, as it should, but it never dwells on them for longer than the movie needs to. Also, when it does present crimes against humanity, it does so in a way that showcases the terror of the act without presenting detailed graphic images. It's a classic example of the power of implication over direct presentation. Much like how not seeing the ghost is often more visceral than actually seeing one. For me, that is a sign of genuine talent and competent storytelling. I wish more filmmakers took the time to practice this method. 

The cast, especially the children, is remarkable. Jesse Eisenberg gets the opportunity to present his range as an actor. Going from total goofball to focused Resistance agent smoothly. Although, the scenes when he is utilizing his performance art for the children are some of the best moments. 

Unlike most other well-crafted films about WWII, this is one that I think can be seen more than once. Maybe not regularly, but it is something that can be enjoyed every few months rather than years. It is a heartfelt and vital story about how anyone can fight against evil with whatever talent they possess. If I was teaching a history class on the importance of the arts, I would play this film. 

At the time of this writing, Resistance is available on Comcast On-Demand and for rent on Amazon. However you can see this film, I recommend you do so. It just might be that little ray of hope you've been looking for. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.

Resist