Monday 12 July 2010

Gainsbourg (2010)

For the most part, this account of a brigade of French volunteers who crossed the ocean to fight for the Union in the American Civil War is quite entertaining. However, unfortunately, the film breaks down as it nears the climax at the Battle of Gettysburg (or "Gainsbourg" as it's translated into the Gallic tongue.)

While history isn't my strong suit, I think it was stretching it to have the brigade beat back Pickett's Charge all by themselves (and then go on to capture Robert E. Lee, singing and dancing all the while.) And the final line from Captain Pierre (Jean Reno), delivered as word comes of a second group of French soldiers conquering Richmond, is a bit too much: "Washington, nous ici!"

Yes, while our two countries have had a long and close relationship, I think endings like these do it a bit of disservice.

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