wvisser-leusden 'Les grandes manoeuvres' (= French for 'the great army exercises') is located in a small provincial garrison town, somewhere in France. The year is around 1900.This film's plot adapts well to this setting. More entertaining than spectacular, providing insight in the local military as well in the town's upper class civilians. And, making its core, how they interact with each other. Director Rene Clair takes his time, but cleverly avoids any boredom or dullness.This avoiding is also very much due to the magnificent acting of the two leads, Michele Morgan and Philippe Gerard. Well supported by the likes of Yves Robert and young Brigitte Bardot. This cast left us a good & enjoyable 'Les grandes manoeuvres'.The only criticism may be found in this film's slightly cold way of proceeding. It leaves you with the impression that 'Les grandes manoeuvres' plot is run by some well-oiled mechanism.

Bob Taylor I'd seen only the great films from the 30's by this director, before enjoying this first color film from 1955. It is a light work with some sombre undertones from the military setting: we are after all in the summer of 1914, and the gallant young officers will soon be facing the terrors of the Great War. Clair reminds us that this world has vanished into the mists of time by the careful use of pastels--lavender, gray, pink--and by the camera receding into the distance: you hardly ever see a close up, most shots are long or medium. Leon Barsacq did a wonderful job as production designer; this is one of the best designed films I can remember seeing from this period.Gerard Philipe is the best Armand you could wish for--he's brave and skilled as a soldier and incredibly immature as a man. The idea that you can carry on affairs with five women at a time is no more than a logistical problem for him. Michele Morgan plays her part so well; she's got to be mature and responsible (she's a divorcée, and hasn't been long in this town). Her heart is pulling her in a direction her mind doesn't want to go. Jean Desailly reminds me once again that he's one of the finest French actors: his Victor isn't a stuffy bourgeois, his heart is with Marie-Louise and he knows what a formidable opponent Armand is. Also he's got to combat the closed minds around him, notably his sisters.Les Grandes manoevres can be compared to Rules of the Game, and if the Renoir classic is greater, it's because Renoir was dealing with more profound themes. I was engrossed in the story of this garrison town just the same.

teawoman_2000 I couldn't disagree more with the disappointed viewer. Maybe my Frenchness helps me put up with the "chauvinism" depicted in the film (lord knows I'm not into male chauvinists, but this film doesn't necessarily treat them well), the fact is I love it and this is one of my favourite films. Gérard Philipe is wonderful (his character isn't that bad - he is very good at pulling women and very charming, and besides none of this does him any good, he is unhappy in the end), Michèle Morgan has quite a few good lines, I like the music and the song (Magali Noël sings in the movie), and the supporting cast is grand. Sure, Le Million is a great film, but Les Grandes Manoeuvres is nothing René Clair should be ashamed of.

J_Mucci One shouldn't be dissuaded from seeing this film because of one disappointed viewer. It is a charming and beautifully crafted film, not often seen in the U.S., but well worth watching. It is very Gallic in its attitudes, which means that it has a certain amount of gallantry, chauvinism, sexism, and a plain, old-fashioned outlook on the sports of love, but it refuses to be pinned down to a formula, or to have a pat ending. I find it ever so much better than Clair's earlier work, and if you can shift your mental gears to the French way of thinking, it is a very rewarding, bittersweet film.