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Special Section, a 1975 French film directed by Costa-Gavras, is a historical drama set in 1941 Paris during the Nazi occupation of France. The film is based on actual events and centers around a group of French Resistance fighters who were captured and held at the Drancy internment camp before being deported to Nazi concentration camps in Eastern Europe.

The film begins with a dramatic scene of a group of resistance fighters, including the main character, Clara Diamant (played by Simone Signoret), being captured by the Gestapo and taken to the notorious Drancy internment camp, where they are subject to interrogation, torture, and brutal conditions.

At Drancy, the group meets other resistance members, including Marcel Rayman (played by Louis Seigner), who is a leader of the resistance and serves as a mentor to Clara. Together, they attempt to maintain their spirits and organize a plan to escape, all while being subjected to increasingly harsh treatment from their captors.

Meanwhile, outside of the camp, there are political machinations at play as the Vichy government (which collaborated with the Nazis) attempts to negotiate the release of French prisoners in exchange for French officers held by the Germans. This leads to a conflict between the German authorities and French officials, as well as tensions between collaborators and resistance fighters.

Special Section explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of tyranny. It also highlights the bleak reality of life in an internment camp and the brutal methods used by the Nazis to quash any hint of dissent or rebellion.

The performances throughout the film are powerful and nuanced, with Simone Signoret portraying the fierce determination of Clara and Louis Seigner bringing depth and emotion to the character of Marcel. The supporting cast, which includes Roland Bertin and Michael Lonsdale, are equally impressive and add depth to the portrayal of life in the internment camp.

The cinematography of the film is masterful, with stark and somber visuals mirroring the bleakness of the situation. The use of shadows and lighting adds to the tension and atmosphere of the film, creating a sense of claustrophobia and fear.

At its core, Special Section is a powerful and moving film that explores the complexities of resistance and collaboration during a time of war and occupation. It is a testament to the human spirit and the strength of those who fight against oppression, even in the face of unimaginable horror.

Special Section is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.