Watch The Statement

The Statement is a political thriller movie from 2003, based on the novel of the same name by Brian Moore. The film is directed by Norman Jewison and stars Michael Caine, Tilda Swinton, and Alan Bates. The movie tells the story of Pierre Brossard (Michael Caine), a former Nazi collaborator who is on the run from the French authorities. As the film progresses, Brossard attempts to avoid capture before the French government tracks him down, but it soon becomes clear that he will not be able to outrun his past.

The movie opens in a rural French village where a local gardener discovers the body of Jean-Marie Léon (Peter Hudson), a former member of the French Resistance, who was executed by Brossard and his accomplices during the Second World War. Based on this information, Captain Annemarie Livi (Tilda Swinton), an investigator for the French judiciary, begins to investigate Brossard's whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Brossard is hiding out in a remote village, living under an assumed identity. With the help of an underground right-wing network, he manages to evade the authorities and keep his location secret. However, his past eventually catches up with him, and he is forced to flee to another location.

As the investigation continues, Livi's superiors urge her to close the case due to political pressure. However, Livi is determined to bring Brossard to justice and goes on a personal mission to find him. Along the way, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that leads to some shocking revelations.

Michael Caine delivers a powerful performance as Brossard, a man torn by guilt and a desire to escape the consequences of his actions. His character is complex and multi-dimensional, and Caine's portrayal is nuanced and believable. Tilda Swinton is equally impressive in her role as Captain Livi, a principled investigator who is determined to see justice done.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Alan Bates delivering an outstanding performance as the former Nazi collaborator who assists Brossard in his escape. Bates brings a sense of gravitas and weight to the film, and his dynamic with Caine is one of the movie's most compelling elements.

The cinematography of The Statement is also noteworthy, with the director making excellent use of the French countryside and urbanized areas to create a visual style that is both stunning and evocative. The score by composer Normand Corbeil is also excellent, providing an eerie and haunting backdrop to the events onscreen.

Overall, The Statement is a gripping political thriller that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the weight of history. The movie is complex and thought-provoking, and the excellent performances from the cast help to elevate the material to the level of a cinematic masterpiece. If you're a fan of political thrillers or history-based movies, The Statement is a must-watch film.

The Statement is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 45.