La vie et rien d’autre – A War Time Romance

La vie et rien d’autre or “Life and Nothing But”, to give it its English translation is a classic French movie by Bertrand Tavier, which has won an array of awards including a BAFTA for Best Non-English Language picture. The story which is set in post-WW1 France is both a stunning yet poignant portrayal of unexpected love tinged by death, loss and obsession with the past. Not often shown on TV as it is definitely not for the mainstream viewer it is also quite scarce on DVD. However, it is well worth the effort of tracking down if you like something different.

A Quick Plot Outline

Set in France during November 1920 when 350,000 French soldiers remained missing Major Delaplane played by Philippe Noiret tirelessly tries to bring some peace to their families by trying to match them with the known dead or wounded. Then a certain lady Sabine Azéma (Irène de Courtil) arrives into this bleak world of his own making looking for her husband. You may think you can guess the rest but take it from us there are a few twists on the way.

The Main Cast of La vie et rien d’autre

The main stars are Philippe Noiret and Sabine Azema (both of whom won awards for their performances) and Pascale Vignal, who’s performance also merits mention.

Philippe Noiret … Major Delaplane
Sabine Azéma … Irène de Courtil
Pascale Vignal … Alice
Maurice Barrier … Mercadot
rançois Perrot … Perrin
Jean-Pol Dubois … André
Daniel Russo … Lieutenant Trévise
Michel Duchaussoy … Général Villerieux

The sadly departed Philippe Noiret also picked up the best actor award at the prestigious César Awards

He is held is sufficient esteem in France to have appeared on a postage stamp.

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