La Bataille du Rail (1946)

In 1946, the questionable nature of the Vichy regime would not yet have become so widespread and been criticized, hence this is a tribute to the French resistance. That such a thing occurs in a film exclusively in the context of railways is truly remarkable, and anyone who saw the film will undoubtedly always remember the spectacular derailment.

The fact that non-professional actors carry the film also makes it quite special and gives it a somewhat documentary, but also a cinema vérité allure.

Also enjoyable for those familiar with the railway who remember the steam era, the manually operated points, the rudimentary telephone communication, the charts showing the train routes drawn on with pencil and ruler, the old train compartments...

Translated from Dutch · View original

Fantastically filmed... Incredibly fascinating what a major role these resistance heroes played. True heroes, who at the very least made a huge difference for the troops on the coasts of Normandy. Without them, we wouldn't be sitting here with the luxury we have now. How the resistance persevered without hesitation, fully aware of the potential consequences, that they could lose their lives. How willing they were to fight for their freedom. Actually clear right from the start, when they began taking volunteer railway workers hostage and executing them, in the hope of stopping the sabotage. It was to no avail; the resistance bravely continued to fight. Heroes, every single one of them. Thanks for all of this. Thanks to the troops.

What a film, or documentary, if you will. It all feels very real, comes across very strongly. Also how they derailed that train... Powerfully filmed, and so soon after the fact...

The only strange thing is that it is clear everywhere, including on IMDB, that the film was released in 1946. Although my title file shows 1949? Does anyone know more about this?

For me: 5*. The way it was filmed, powerful imagery, dedication, courage, and motivation of resistance. As a thank you to them.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Nice to see an early French WWII film for a change, although I find it less impressive than the average British or American counterpart. The focus lies on the role of the French railways in the resistance, so it is primarily the sabotage elements and other actions that carry the film. The rest struck me as rather simple and amateurish, perhaps not very surprising given the concept.

Translated from Dutch · View original