Watch Le Crabe-tambour

Le Crabe-tambour is a French drama film from 1977, directed by Pierre Schoendoerffer, starring Jean Rochefort, Claude Rich, and Jacques Perrin. The movie is based on Pierre Schoendoerffer's own novel of the same name and is a tribute to Jean Rochefort's older brother, who died in the Indochina War. The story is set in the 1970s and tells the tale of a French naval officer, Captain Alix (played by Jean Rochefort), who is haunted by memories of his past in Indochina during the war.

The film opens with a brief introduction of Captain Alix, who is currently serving in the French navy, but his thoughts frequently wander back to his past memories of the Indochina War. The movie jumps back and forth between his current life and flashbacks of his past, where he was involved in the French military presence that was trying to maintain control over Vietnam in the 1950s. The flashbacks illustrate his career and his work as a naval officer on the French battleship, the Review.

The focus is initially on Alix's friend, Roland (Jacques Perrin), who is also a naval officer, and the two share a unique bond based on mutual admiration and loyalty. However, once the ship is ordered to attack a village during the war, Roland faces a moral dilemma that he cannot reconcile in his mind, leading to his eventual execution by the Viet Minh. Their friendship and Roland's death shaped Alix's life and left a deep impression on him.

Back in the present day, Alix is on a mission to find the long-lost crew members of the Review and pay his respects to Roland's grave. He travels through different parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia and the Sahara Desert, meeting different people, and reflecting on his past. The journey is also about self-discovery as he faces the repercussions of his life choices and regrets, realizing how his actions in the past affected him and others around him.

The overall tone of the movie is melancholic and reflective, with the stunning visuals of breathtaking landscapes, complemented by a moving musical score. The cinematography by Raoul Coutard is exceptional, capturing the beauty of the exotic locations where Alix travels. It is remarkable how the plot unfolds, how the characters are fleshed out by a series of set-pieces filmed in close-up, allowing the audience to feel the characters' emotions.

Jean Rochefort's performance is outstanding, with his expressive eyes and subtle gestures, portraying Alix as a complex character dealing with guilt, regret, and loneliness. Both Jacques Perrin and Claude Rich give equally impressive performances in their respective roles. The movie's characterizations are skillfully crafted, and the dialogue is well-written, making the audience feel invested in the lives of the characters.

What makes Le Crabe-tambour a must-watch is its portrayal of the camaraderie between the crew members of the Review, the brutalities of war, and the aftermath of its consequences. The movie is a poignant reflection on the nature of human conflict, its often-underrated repercussions, and its lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.

To sum up, Le Crabe-tambour is a movie that explores how one's past defines their present and shapes their future. It delves into the nature of war, the complexities of the human psyche, and how the actions of a few affect the lives of many. It is visually stunning, narratively compelling, and emotionally resonant, making it a cinematic gem that continues to impress audiences today.

Le Crabe-tambour is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.