Grand Illusion

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Grand Illusion

Released Sep 12, 1937

1h 53m

Drama

War

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Popcornmeter

97%

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74 Reviews

92%

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10,000+ Ratings

A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu (Pierre Fresnay) and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal (Jean Gabin), grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein (Erich von Stroheim), who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.

Critics Consensus

Jean Renoir's Grand Illusion is a masterful anti-war statement, bringing humane insight and an undercurrent of ironic humor to an unusual relationship between captor and captive.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

A little more art (always as opposed to artifice or the arty) could have heightened the beauty and truth of this film, which already has as much as we’ve seen anywhere this year.

Dec 26, 2023

Full Review

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

It's a smart choice and a peerless film that makes sweeping rhetorical statements about the futility of war while maintaining a laser-sharp focus on an ensemble of meticulously drawn characters.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 30, 2021

Full Review

Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

The greatest World War I movie ever made (and there were lots of good ones)...

Nov 3, 2018

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

On the other side of the coin is Jean Renoir’s interpersonal exploration of war, class distinction, and prejudice. Grand Illusion is a film that never once places a scene on the battlefield.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 6, 2025

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Ian Kane

Epoch Times

This timeless classic still resonates today, as it offers a hopeful reflection on the illusions that shape our world, and the enduring connections that unite humanity across all borders, classes, and conflicts.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 27, 2024

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Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

La Grande Illusion is not only an insightful film which makes a powerful statement on the absurdities of war with a hint of satire, but also a profound picture overall, full of human warmth and hope for the future.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 18, 2024

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Stephen C

Failure in 1 hour and 53 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The cast and crew are unreliable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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William B

A great classic. One of the best of French films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/25

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BowTangey M

The most interesting facet of this famed antiwar movie is that it was made in 1937, about the First World War, before the horrors of the Second showed how little had been learned.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

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Marit Risto F

I just love it. The way they're making a joke of war. Made by Pierre-Auguste Renoir's son! Jean Gabin I find fabulous too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/24

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Eli B

Grand Illusion explores the idea of social class and the bonds that are formed between people who are on opposite sides of a conflict. Through the interactions between the French and German soldiers, the movie highlights the common humanity that exists between people, regardless of nationality. Full review: https://cinephilecorner.com/reviews/grand-illusion-movie-1937/

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

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harwee h

Renoir at his peak. A classic of classic. Minor shortcomings keep it from being perfect.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/22/23

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Jean Renoir

Director

Pierre Fresnay

Capt. de Boieldieu

Erich von Stroheim

Capt. von Rauffenstein

Jean Gabin

Lt. Maréchal

Marcel Dalio

Lt. Rosenthal

Dita Parlo

Elsa (farm woman)

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Synopsis

A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu (Pierre Fresnay) and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal (Jean Gabin), grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein (Erich von Stroheim), who has formed an unexpected bond with de Boeldieu.

Director: Jean Renoir
Producer: Albert Pinkovitch, Frank Rollmer
Distributor: Home Vision Entertainment, Barr Entertainment
Production Co: R.A.C.
Genre: Drama, War
Original Language: Canadian French
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 12, 1937, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 11, 2012
Release Date (Streaming): May 14, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $516.5K
Runtime: 1h 53m