Watch Les Uns et les Autres

Les Uns et les Autres is a 1981 musical drama film directed by Claude Lelouch. It spans over four generations and follows the lives of four families from different countries and backgrounds who are all connected through their love for music. The movie is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different period in time. The first part is set in 1936 and follows the story of a French couple, Boris and Suzanne, who are both classical musicians. Despite their passion for music, they struggle to make ends meet and are forced to perform in nightclubs to make a living. The second part takes place during World War II and centers around a German family, Karl and Magda Kremer, who are torn apart by the war. Karl is a member of the Nazi party while his wife is opposed to the regime. The third part is set in the 1960s and follows the life of American jazz musician, Jack Glenn and his wife, Jessica. They struggle with fame, addiction, and making ends meet. The final part is set in the 1980s and focuses on Simon Meyer, a Russian ballet dancer, who is forced to flee his country due to political turmoil.

Despite the different time periods and locations, music is the common thread that ties all the stories together. The film features many musical performances, ranging from classical to jazz to pop, all performed by the characters in the film. The music serves to highlight the emotional struggles and triumphs of the characters, and also acts as a way for them to connect with one another despite their differences.

The film also explores themes such as love, loss, war, and politics. Each of the four families is impacted by larger world events such as World War II and the Cold War, and the film shows how these events shape their lives and relationships. The movie does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on families and individuals.

The performances in the movie are impressive, with strong performances from the entire cast. Robert Hossein is particularly noteworthy as Boris, a struggling musician who is torn between his love for his wife and his love for music. Nicole Garcia gives a nuanced performance as Magda Kremer, a woman who is faced with difficult choices during World War II.

Geraldine Chaplin also delivers a powerful performance as Sarah Glenn, Jack's mother, who is haunted by the loss of her family during the Holocaust. Other notable performances include Daniel Olbrychski as Simon Meyer, and Jorge Donn as Karl Kremer.

The cinematography is also impressive, with beautiful and sweeping shots of Paris, New York, and Moscow. The film's use of color and lighting helps to convey the emotions and moods of the characters and the different time periods.

Overall, Les Uns et les Autres is a moving and ambitious film that explores the power of music in bringing people together. The film's themes and performances still resonate today, and its use of music as a way to tell a story is both innovative and effective. The movie is a must-watch for fans of musical dramas and historical fiction.