Grade (B-)
A fun time-period story that masks some small flaws.
“ALLIED” stars; Marion Cotillard, Brad Pitt, Jared Harris, and is directed by Robert Zemeckis.
This time-period drama set during WWII follows a Royal Canadian Air Force officer (Pitt) and a member of the French resistance (Cotillard). They are tasked with posing as a couple to assassinate a German Ambassador. They fall in love, start a new life with one another, and have a child. But their relationship will be tested when one of them is accused of being a German spy.
This was a good film but not a great one. The settings and backdrops all feel perfect for the era, there was a visible quality in the crafting of the film itself. It also effectively pulls the viewer into the time-period with detail taken in the wardrobes and set-designs.
The performances by both Pitt and Cotillard were very good and they deliver the needed chemistry to sell themselves as two people who fell in in love. Pitt was solid as the Air Force officer and despite his performance feeling slightly underwhelming, he certainly hits the mark on his characters more dramatic moments.
Cotillard was also on the common side, not really shining in the part, but was more than serviceable for her role. However, for being the female lead, and having a vital impact on the plot, her character was a little underdeveloped. Something that made it hard to truly connect with her personality.
The story was an intriguing one, but it was very slow in the second-act, and despite a serviceable third-act wrap up, it felt slightly rushed considering the pace of the story leading up to it. The impact was not completely delivered due to this, and without being able to fully get to know all the characters, the dramatic punch the climax delivered, was a little soft.
The direction of Robert Zemeckis was very good, he creates some intense moments and the film does have a polished visual appeal, with an aged look at the same time. But it was a little slow, and felt rushed when it closed out, not hitting the emotional levels it could have.
Time: 124 min
Rating: R (For violence, some sexuality/nudity, language and brief drug use)