De Gaulle: Resistance

There are historical biopics that merely recount facts, and there are others that attempt to capture the spirit of a nation at a turning point in its history. De Gaulle: Resistance, directed by Antonin Baudry, unquestionably belongs to the latter category. Covering the darkest years from 1940 to 1942, the first installment of what is planned as a two-part epic transforms one of France’s most iconic figures into something far more captivating than a statue carved in marble. Rather than presenting Charles de Gaulle as an untouchable legend, the film explores the improbable gamble of a man who refused to accept reality as it was imposed upon him. France had surrendered, Europe seemed lost, and yet this relatively unknown general fled to London, convinced that history itself could still be rewritten. This central idea—the power of conviction in the face of insurmountable obstacles—gives the film a surprisingly modern pulse. Official production notes reveal that Antonin Baudry was fascinated by this period because it represented imagination in power, a moment when a dreamer stubbornly chose belief over established facts. This concept permeates every frame of the film and elevates it beyond a mere conventional war chronicle.

The film’s greatest strength undoubtedly lies in Simon Abkarian, whose portrayal of Charles de Gaulle avoids both caricature and hagiography. Physically convincing beneath the famous kepi, he delivers a performance grounded in restraint, obstinacy, and a fascinating undercurrent of vulnerability. What makes his portrayal memorable is not just the resemblance, but the way he embodies a man constantly oscillating between certainty and doubt. An anecdote in the production documents shows that Antonin Baudry compared Charles de Gaulle to Don Quixote, a dreamer confronted by a reality that relentlessly seeks to defeat him. This comparison becomes increasingly evident as the story unfolds. Simon Abkarian portrays a leader who often seems isolated, even absurd, yet manages to influence the course of events through sheer force of will. The actor captures the paradox of a man who inspires confidence while privately battling despair, making this film one of the most nuanced cinematic portrayals of Charles de Gaulle to date.

One of the film’s most astute narrative decisions is its parallel storyline featuring the resistance fighter Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle, played by Florian Lesieur. By juxtaposing the political chess game unfolding in London with the youthful rebellion taking place on occupied soil, Antonin Baudry significantly broadens the film’s scope. At times, it feels as though two distinct films are unfolding simultaneously: one is a political drama about diplomacy and leadership, the other a breathless resistance thriller about sacrifice and courage. Yet these seemingly divergent narrative threads ultimately reinforce one another. Fernand Bonnier de La Chapelle’s idealism echoes that of Charles de Gaulle, albeit from a radically different standpoint. One fights through speeches and political maneuvering, the other through direct action. Together, they embody the broader theme that resistance is not merely a military act, but a state of mind.

Equally captivating is the way the film portrays the tumultuous relationship between Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill, brilliantly portrayed by Simon Russell Beale. Their scenes together are among the film’s finest moments. The production notes describe their dynamic as a strange mix of affection, rivalry, admiration, and irritation, almost resembling a long and complicated love story. On screen, this portrayal works remarkably well. Their verbal sparring infuses energy, humor, and unpredictability into a narrative that could easily have become too solemn. Simon Russell Beale brings intelligence and wit to the character of Winston Churchill, while Simon Abkarian responds with unwavering determination. The result is a fascinating clash between two men who share similar romantic visions of history while constantly disagreeing on how to shape it. These exchanges constitute some of the film’s most entertaining and revealing sequences.

Visually, De Gaulle: Resistance follows in the grand tradition of old-school war epics. The film’s scale is immediately apparent, from large-scale military operations to impressive recreations of wartime London and North Africa. The climactic depiction of the Battle of Bir Hakeim delivers exactly the kind of spectacle audiences expect from a production of this scale. Yet what impressed me most was learning, through production materials, that many sequences combined practical effects with digital enhancements—including real tanks on set and carefully orchestrated explosions that required meticulous coordination. Rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery, Antonin Baudry seems determined to preserve a tangible physicality. This choice lends the action sequences a weight and authenticity that are lacking in many modern historical blockbusters. Combined with Volker Bertelmann’s powerful score, the result is often exhilarating.

The supporting cast further enriches the experience. Anamaria Vartolomei brings emotional depth to Livia, while Mathieu Kassovitz lends imposing authority to Admiral Darlan. Benoît Magimel, in the role of General Koenig, radiates both strength and humanity, embodying the kind of battlefield leadership that inspires unwavering loyalty. Karim Leklou brings welcome touches of humor and warmth, creating a surprisingly effective duo with Simon Abkarian. Meanwhile, Campbell Scott’s portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Niels Schneider’s portrayal of Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, and Félix Kysyl’s memorable Jean Moulin all contribute to a remarkably rich cast. The sheer number of historical figures could have become overwhelming, but the film generally succeeds in giving each character a clear narrative role.

At 160 minutes long, the pacing becomes uneven at times, particularly during highly explanatory passages that sometimes over-explain historical events. Some scenes elaborate on political developments that the audience has already grasped visually. At times, the characters also seem almost too aware of their future historical significance, a common pitfall in high-profile historical dramas. Furthermore, while the two-tiered narrative structure adds thematic richness, it sometimes prevents the film from delving deeper into Charles de Gaulle’s private life. This legendary figure remains somewhat elusive, which may frustrate viewers hoping for a more intimate psychological portrait. However, these shortcomings never seriously compromise the film’s overall impact.

What makes the film De Gaulle: Resistance a success is its ability to transform history into something urgent and contemporary. Behind the battles, speeches, and diplomatic confrontations lies a story of resilience, independence, and a refusal to compromise one’s principles when circumstances demand it. Antonin Baudry does not portray Charles de Gaulle as a flawless hero, but as a stubborn visionary whose greatest strength was his willingness to appear unreasonable in the pursuit of a higher truth. At a time when historical dramas often seem sanitized or stereotypical, *De Gaulle: Resistance* embraces scope, emotion, and conviction with refreshing sincerity. It may occasionally lean toward traditional storytelling, but it does so with confidence, skill, and genuine passion. As the credits roll, we leave not only with a renewed appreciation for a crucial chapter in history, but also with an eagerness to discover the final installment of Antonin Baudry’s ambitious saga.

De Gaulle: Resistance
Directed by Antonin Baudry
Written by Antonin Baudry, Bérénice Vila
Based on Julian Jackson’s *De Gaulle, une certaine idée de la France*
Produced by Axelle Boucaï, Ardavan Safaee, Jérôme Seydoux
Starring Simon Abkarian, Niels Schneider, Thierry Lhermitte, Karim Leklou
Cinematography: Pierre Cottereau, Giora Bejach
Editing: Katie McQuerrey, Rehman Nizar Ali
Music: Volker Bertelmann
Production companies: Pathé, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, TF1 Films Production, Ness Films, Beside Productions, LDRP, Logical Content Ventures, Belvédère, Aonia Ventures, Ouroboros Entertainment, Stags Participations II
Distributed by Pathé
Release dates: May 20, 2026 (Cannes), June 3, 2026 (France)
Runtime: 160 minutes

Viewed on June 3, 2026 at Gaumont Disney Village, Theater 1, M19 rating

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