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The Exception

Play trailer 2:18 Poster for The Exception R Released Jun 2, 2017 1h 47m History Drama War Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 61 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
German soldier Stefan Brandt goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in the Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country's authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser's life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke, one of the Kaiser's maids.
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The Exception

The Exception

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Critics Consensus

The Exception (The Kaiser's Last Kiss) elegantly blends well-dressed period romance and war drama into a solidly crafted story further elevated by Christopher Plummer's excellent work and the efforts of a talented supporting cast.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher Times (UK) Philandering Nazis, saucy servants, preposterous subterfuge — there's a touch of 'Allo 'Allo! in this espionage wartime thriller. Oct 13, 2022 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian The ridiculousness levels are very high. Rated: 2/5 Sep 29, 2017 Full Review Ed Potton Times (UK) The film moves at a good lick and it's directed with a light touch by David Leveaux. Rated: 3/5 Sep 29, 2017 Full Review Jason Adams The Film Experience The Exception never lets itself drown in the horror that we all know's just off-screen Jan 14, 2022 Full Review Kip Mooney Fresh Fiction A perfectly adequate World War II story that features one tremendous performance and little else. Rated: B- Aug 10, 2021 Full Review Emma Simmonds The List Fuelled by strong performances and suspense, The Exception is persuasive in its belief that even the most casual cruelty can have potentially devastating consequences. Rated: 3/5 Jan 18, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member I loved this movie. Two strong hearts, minds and wills. Great cast. Beautiful love story. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/19/24 Full Review Letícia D I loved its story, its cast, the performances, but the open ending left me with doubts, I want to hope for a happy ending but times were different back then. Lily James and Jai Courtney are the couple with the most chemistry I've ever seen, I want more films of them together as a couple 💖 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/24 Full Review Audience Member Instead of creating a close portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm II, with one of the absolute best acting performers in the business in a true leading role, The Exception makers got carried away into a romantic soapish kind of secret agent, and not particularly exciting WW2 thriller, where the actual historical events play a very diminshed part. The result is that the total just ends up with quite a lot less of both, neither good history or fiction. Nevertheless, though it didn't really become one of his last great film roles, Christopher Plummer still stands out and saves the day. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review farah r The Exception tells an interesting story through the outstanding performances of its talented cast supported by beautiful cinematography and costume design. This period drama captures the essence of the time in which it's set by being attentive to the details in all aspects. It also succeeds in highlighting the drama, mystery, and romance of its plot. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Frances H Plummer's movie all the way! He does the impossible by making Kaiser Whilhelm II lovable, even though the actual man started WWI, a horrible bloodbath for all concerned. It's definitely worth a watch! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/03/21 Full Review Audience Member An extraordinary positive surprise and one incredibly beautiful movie. Must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Exception

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Movie Info

Synopsis German soldier Stefan Brandt goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in the Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country's authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser's life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke, one of the Kaiser's maids.
Director
David Leveaux
Producer
Lou Pitt, Judy Tossell
Screenwriter
Simon Burke
Distributor
A24
Production Co
Ostar Productions
Rating
R (Graphic Nudity|Brief Violence|Language|Sexuality)
Genre
History, Drama, War, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 2, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 30, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$708.0K
Runtime
1h 47m
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