this do for the german occupation of france what life be beautiful do for that of italy . it a wonderfully warm and even humourous story set against the horror of the holocaust . the character be well draw and the camera see the german occupation through decidedly french eye . no propaganda . no punch pull . no attempt to deny that many french collaborate with the nazi . and no false heroic . m. batignole be a timid hero indeed but a genuine hero nonetheless . a refresh new perspective on the war year with much to praise and nothing to criticise .