Anyone seen "A French Village" about occupied France during WWII?

[hlthe2b]

It is in French (and German) with English subtitles. Very well done. Amazon Prime has the first season for free. Hulu has seasons 1-5 (I am watching via a 30-day free trial) and then there is a streaming service for international content ( MHZchoice.com ) that has the remaining two seasons--also available via a free trial.

With the 75th anniversary of Normandy, I thought it would be appropriate to watch something more reality-based on Europe during WWII. I had heard from a friend overseas that this is a very well done French tv serial. I have to agree if you can be patient with the subtitles.

[hlthe2b]

2. Yes. That is why I check to see how many seasons are available and where I can see it

(free) if I like it. Obviously, the free trials are helpful only once, but 30 days on Hulu and then I think the other streaming service has a 14-day free trial, so seems worthwhile.

BTW, I have completed a couple of these free trials (HBONOW and SHOWTIME) via my Roku registration. The cancellation was simple and I did not get charged.

[Stonepounder]

12. Don't forget about:

www.justwatch.com

Plug in any title you like, movie or TV and it will let you know if it is available to stream or rent, who has it available, and which seasons are available. And yes, your local library is a great resource. (And don't forget to check and see if the 1) have 'Interlibrary Loan' available and 2) if you can get DVD's via ILL.)

[eleny]

4. Just a word about local availability

I just checked our Jefferson County library system and they have seven seasons available right now on DVD. I often get books and DVDs via Prospector if Jeffco doesn't carry something.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2197106132

We subscribe to Acorn TV and I'm a fan of the Vera detective series. Acorn lost out to Brit Box for the latest series. But the library had it so it was great to be able to watch it without needing to sub to BB.

P.S. Thanks for the tip about the series. It's on my list.

[hlthe2b]

5. Wow.. Thanks.. I had not thought to check that out, but I will!

[eleny]

6. I came back to post the url for it

I hope you can see it. But if you aren't in Jeffco it's available to you via Prospector. And I won't request it -- I can wait!

[hlthe2b]

7. I will look into using prospector for some other things. I have free access to this show via the

free trials.

But, I love international shows, so it is good to know the library can frequently give DVD access.

[eleny]

8. I love the inernationals, too

I watched a bunch of Scandinavian ones and got hooked. I'd like to sub to the service that carries them exclusively. But the cost of tv is inching ever upwards so I hesitate. Maybe after this summer when I'm more indoorsy. But I am so tempted!

Happy watching!

[emmaverybo]

10. Loving Vera all over again. Thanks for note on library. nt

[eleny]

13. It's the one series I go back to and watch a random episode when nothing else appeals

[emmaverybo]

9. One of the best dramas I have seen on streaming. Got me to do some research into the

Nazi occupation and the French resistance. All the acting is terrific. I was completely absorbed in the world A French Village creates. Robert Renucci’s character, the village doctor, is memorable.
This series also stars Thierry Godard and Audrey Fleurot from the stand-out series Spiral.
I was afraid to see concentration camp horror. Just was not in a place in life where I could have seen a Schindler’s List.
Such horrific suffering was not graphically dramatized, but ever-present as a back-drop to daily village life in which French neighbors with varying moral compasses try to survive a cruel and relentless occupying force. Plenty of suspense, affecting drama, and life lessons.

[hlthe2b]

11. Yup.. the suffering of the adults just trying to survive under occupation was one thing, but when

seen through the eyes of the children, like Gustave, fearful his father had been forced to kill/cook his beloved Flemish Giant rabbit (Captain Carrot) was just wrenching...

And, of course, there was the arrival of the Germans in the horrific opening scenes for season 1 (I'm almost through season 2, now).

Very well acted, I agree.

[emmaverybo]

14. Oh gosh, yeah. The kids. This show does pull on you emotionally. NT

[hlthe2b]

15. I just want to say, this is one of the shows I'd most recommend to DUers.

Last edited Mon Jun 17, 2019, 10:04 AM - Edit history (1)

There are a total of 7 seasons which depict French occupation by the Nazis by year, starting in June 1940.
I've now binge watched nearly 5... It is a really captivating show and one you have to pay attention to, given the French/German language (English subtitles). My French is nearly nonexistent, German quite a bit better, but honestly, I think I've improved both just watching.

So, why should DUers especially watch? Well, the way in which institutions mold themselves to the will of an authoritarian regime and how "normal" people adapt their behaviors to the aggressors--in some cases to survive, but also for some to "thrive"--is a lesson for us all.

On edit: if you do a free 7-day subscription to MHZChoice to see the last two seasons (6 & 7) check out the bonus content following seasons 1, 2, 3. Fascinating first person and descendant accounts addressing nearly every aspect of that time period with a well known French historian providing context.