Watch Lumiere d'Ete

Lumiere d'Ete is a French romantic drama film released in 1943, directed by Jean Grémillon and starring Madeleine Renaud, Pierre Brasseur, and Madeleine Robinson. The movie revolves around the romantic entanglements of a group of friends who gather at a luxurious hotel in the French Alps. The story begins with Michel (Pierre Brasseur), a young artist who decides to confront his married lover, Christiane (Madeleine Robinson), at the hotel where she is staying with her wealthy husband, Jérôme (Paul Bernard). Meanwhile, Patrice (Paul Meurisse), an old friend of Jérôme, arrives at the hotel with his girlfriend Marie (Madeleine Renaud), a former prostitute who has turned to acting. Marie becomes the center of attention among the group, attracting the interest of both Michel and Patrice.

As the days go by, tension builds up between the characters, with Michel struggling to cope with Christiane's rejection and Patrice's jealousy over Marie's past. The hotel's owner, Gabrielle (Alida Valli), tries to maintain the peace, but her own feelings for Patrice complicate matters further. As the group parties and goes on excursions together, they grapple with their desires, fears, and disillusionment with their lives.

One of the most striking aspects of Lumiere d'Ete is the breathtaking cinematography by Armand Thirand, which captures the stunning scenery of the Alpine mountains and the opulence of the hotel interiors. The film also features a memorable score by composer Roland-Manuel, which adds to the romantic and dreamlike atmosphere.

The acting is uniformly strong, with Renaud and Brasseur giving particularly nuanced and sensitive performances as two wounded souls searching for love and meaning. Robinson, as the object of Michel's desire, brings a sense of vulnerability and desperation to her role, while Meurisse embodies the arrogance and entitlement of the wealthy upper class.

Despite its moments of melodrama and occasional slow pacing, Lumiere d'Ete is a sophisticated and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for authenticity in a superficial world. It offers a snapshot of a bygone era of glamour and luxury, but also speaks to universal themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery that are enduring to this day.