Watch Arch of Triumph

Arch of Triumph is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. Directed by Waris Hussein, the film stars Anthony Hopkins, Lesley-Anne Down, and Donald Pleasence. The story is set in Paris during the 1930s, just before the outbreak of World War II. Hopkins plays Dr. Ravic, a German refugee living in Paris with the intention of getting revenge on the Nazis who tortured him in Germany. Down plays Joan Madou, a young actress whom Ravic falls in love with.

The two meet by chance after Ravic attempts suicide by jumping into the Seine. Joan finds him and takes him to the hotel where she is staying. Ravic then begins to frequent the hotel's bar, where he meets the character played by Pleasence, who is a comic relief of sorts.

The film is set against the backdrop of the impending war, and we see characters preparing for the worst. Ravic is living in constant fear of being deported by the French authorities, as he is a refugee without papers. He also struggles with the fact that he is a doctor but cannot practice medicine due to his lack of documentation.

Through Joan, Ravic finds hope and redemption. At one point, he tells her how he has been trying to forget the past, but it always catches up with him. She tells him that he cannot forget the past, but he can live in the present and make a new future.

The film is beautifully shot, with many scenes set in dark and smoky bars and cafes. It has a very melancholic feel, reflecting the sense of impending doom that was felt in Europe in the years leading up to World War II.

The actors are all superb, with Hopkins giving a particularly powerful performance as Ravic. Lesley-Anne Down is also excellent as Joan, giving the character a real sense of depth and empathy. Donald Pleasence is a welcome addition to the cast, bringing a touch of humor to the otherwise dark tone of the film.

Overall, Arch of Triumph is a poignant and moving film that captures the spirit of Europe on the brink of war. It is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of finding hope and love in even the darkest of times.

Arch of Triumph is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.