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The Statement (2003)

The Statement (2003)
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A man who has been able to avoid the consequences of his actions for nearly 50 years suddenly finds he must answer pursuers on both sides of the law in this drama, based on the novel by Brian Moore and inspired by a true story. After France fell to German occupation during World War II, the Nazi-controlled Vichy government established a law-enforcement group known as the Milice, who were under the direct control of Nazi authorities. In 1944, Pierre Brossard (George Williams) is one of a handful of Milice officers who round up and execute seven Jewish resistance members in the village of Dombey. After the liberation of France, Brossard is tried and convicted for his crimes, but he manages to escape capture, and years later is pardoned. In 1992, Brossard (now played by Michael Caine) is an elderly man living a quiet life in Provence and modestly supported by fellow veterans of the Vichy regime when he's ambushed and nearly killed by a man whom he learns was a hired killer. Brossard discovers this is hardly his only problem; new legislation will allow Vichy-era war criminals who escaped punishment to be charged and tried again, and Anne Marie Livi (Tilda Swinton), a bright and aggressive French prosecutor, has joined forces with Col. Roux (Jeremy Northam) to bring Brossard, among others, to justice. While Brossard is still being clandestinely assisted by church officials and Vichy sympathizers, he must go on the run to avoid capture, and finds himself hiding from the French police as well as a cadre of underground assassins, whose alliances and purposes are frustratingly unclear. The Statement also stars Charlotte Rampling, Alan Bates, and Frank Finlay. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Michael Caine, Tilda Swinton, (more)
Director(s):
Norman Jewison
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Statement

A man who has been able to avoid the consequences of his actions for nearly 50 years suddenly finds he must answer pursuers on both sides of the law in this drama, based on the novel by Brian Moore and inspired by a true story. After France fell to German occupation during World War II, the Nazi-controlled Vichy government established a law-enforcement group known as the Milice, who were under the direct control of Nazi authorities. In 1944, Pierre Brossard (George Williams) is one of a handful of Milice officers who round up and execute seven Jewish resistance members in the village of Dombey. After the liberation of France, Brossard is tried and convicted for his crimes, but he manages to escape capture, and years later is pardoned. In 1992, Brossard (now played by Michael Caine) is an elderly man living a quiet life in Provence and modestly supported by fellow veterans of the Vichy regime when he's ambushed and nearly killed by a man whom he learns was a hired killer. Brossard discovers this is hardly his only problem; new legislation will allow Vichy-era war criminals who escaped punishment to be charged and tried again, and Anne Marie Livi (Tilda Swinton), a bright and aggressive French prosecutor, has joined forces with Col. Roux (Jeremy Northam) to bring Brossard, among others, to justice. While Brossard is still being clandestinely assisted by church officials and Vichy sympathizers, he must go on the run to avoid capture, and finds himself hiding from the French police as well as a cadre of underground assassins, whose alliances and purposes are frustratingly unclear. The Statement also stars Charlotte Rampling, Alan Bates, and Frank Finlay. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
119 mins

Complete Cast of The Statement


Director(s):
Norman Jewison
Writer(s):
Ronald Harwood
Producer(s):
Norman Jewison, Robert Lantos
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Violence, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Mystery & Suspense
The Statement Awards:
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound
  • 2003 - Genie Awards - Best Sound Editing
  • 2003 - National Board of Review - Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Don U.

    At the end of the film I didn't know how to feel. Michael Caine did such a brilliant job acting I felt sympathetic for his character, the remorse, the life on the run. Yet can remorse, absolution from a church, or continued support from racists really erase the horrors of fact -- killing of Jews? Never. God will be the final judge. Until then, we have films like this to remind us that bigotry is still alive and there is a lot of room for growth on our planet and healing is still taking place. Go in peace.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Stanley G.

    Extremely well acted and consistently interesting. The interviews with those involved are worth seeing.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Sandi L.

    I rather enjoyed this film and especially liked the performance of Michael Caine. Even though his portrayal caused a bit of sympathy for the character, I was still pleased with the end result. I found the storyline easy to follow and I particularly liked the way the director carried the flow of the story. A different kind of "Nazi Related" film...............I recommend it.

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