Chichester Cinema at New Park
Resistance
An alternate history story in which German soldiers occupy a Welsh village during World War.
‘Resistance’ eschews the conventional approach. This isn't about strategy, negotiation or politics; there isn't much espionage; and there's very little actual fighting (at least with guns). In fact, all the menfolk of the village have vanished when it opens.
That's how the women discover that enemy soldiers are on their way. In rural Wales, where the weather can be harsh and the living hard, it's tough for a woman on her own to get by.. The women do their best, and the occupying soldiers do their best to stand back.
These are not the cartoon Germans. They don't have much sympathy for the Nazi hierarchy. They are just men, weary of war and far from home. Just as the women of the village have practica l needs, they have emotional ones.
Their captain, Albrecht (Tom Wlaschiha), hatches a plan to keep them in the village, to lie to his superiors, to try and keep his men safe until the war is over. To complicate things further, Albrecht finds himself falling in love with strong willed farmer's wife Sarah (Andrea Riseborough).
An old fashioned film, beautifully photographed and slowly paced, Resistance is one for the drama fans, not the war movie enthusiasts. It's a flawed gem that still sparkles if looked at in the right light. Also starring Michael Sheen.
NB: Unfortunately, because of filming commitments, we will not now be able to welcome Amanda Faber, producer of the film for a post screening Q&A on Friday
UK · 
Germany · 2011 · Amit Gupta · 92min
