Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt) is assigned to work with French Résistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard) on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. While pretending to be a married couple they begin to develop real feelings for each other. Following the mission they decide to go to London together where they could get married. Their marriage would be tested however when Marianne is accused of being a German spy.
I was a bit apprehensive about seeing Allied. The reviews seem to have been mixed and I generally find war movies to be very hit or miss. Luckily this was most certainly a hit. The film could be separated into 2 acts. The first was an action packed spy drama. The second was a romantic thriller. Apart from a couple of moments that were slightly bothersome, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I thought the story was very neatly threaded together. The relationship that the whole film is built around I found to be totally believable. Pitt and Cotillard had the difficult task of having to look like a married couple despite having never seen each other before, which I think they managed convincingly. Pitt was surprisingly engaging despite the distraction of him looking like he was midway through filming ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Seriously – he looks so young you could be forgiven for thinking this was filmed in the late 90’s. Cotillard was fantastic in both the action role and the more domesticated persona of the second act. At no point before the reveal did I work out whether or not she was a German spy.
As well as hair and make-up, I think the costume department also have to be acknowledged. The period setting was conveyed beautifully. One review I heard described Allied as ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ in uniform. I can understand that comment, but I think that’s an unfair comparison as it’s more than just that.
The one thing that made me think “no way” was a scene involving a birth during the blitz. The woman was wheeled outside the hospital into the rain with planes flying overhead and bombs dropping all around. The birth took place with only a minimal level of stress and then was applauded by nurses standing nearby. Frankly I’d have thought they’d be too busy running around helping people to stand around clapping this birth; but oh well – that was really the only moment that I found a bit ridiculous.
Knowing the film was directed by Robert Zemeckis I figured it was probably going to be good. I’ve been a fan of many of his movies and this can now be added to the list.
It was tense, edge of the seat stuff, and I was gripped from beginning to end. Both acts I felt were terrific in their own ways. Allied certainly exceeded expectations. A fantastic blend of plot and performances that kept me entertained. I know there’s going to be a lot of good movies but I’d definitely recommend checking this out while you still have the chance.
