Watch Vice and Virtue

Vice and Virtue is a French drama film directed by Roger Vadim, which was released in 1963. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the movie explores the themes of power, resistance, collaboration, and the human spirit. The story revolves around a young couple, Juliette (Annie Girardot) and Jean (Robert Hossein), who are both members of the French resistance. Juliette is captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp where she is subject to inhumane treatment while Jean goes into hiding. Meanwhile, Jean's younger sister Justine (Catherine Deneuve) is a collaborator, who is involved in a romantic relationship with a high-ranking German officer.

As the war progresses, Justine becomes disillusioned with her choices and choices of people around her. She sees the ugly faces of war and starts to realize what being a collaborator means. Meanwhile, Jean risks everything to free Juliette from the concentration camp, but in doing so, he puts his life in peril as well.

The film showcases the depravity of human nature during war and how power can corrupt even the purest of souls. Vadim's direction is precise and manages to create a realistic and compelling portrayal of the war. The unexpected twists and gripping storytelling keep the audience engaged until the very end.

Girardot delivers a stunning performance as Juliette. She portrays the character's pain, suffering, and will to survive in a way that is both moving and powerful. Hossein's portrayal of Jean is also noteworthy. He portrays the character's bravery and selflessness in a way that is both inspiring and realistic.

Deneuve's Justine is the most complex character of the film. She is a victim of her circumstances and is torn between her love for her brother and her loyalty to the Nazis. Deneuve's performance is subtle, and she does not overplay her emotions. She manages to convey the character's inner turmoil in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

The cinematography is another highlight of the film. The camera work captures the claustrophobic nature of the concentration camps and the tension of the war-torn streets. The film's pacing is also spot on, and the editing is tight, making the experience of watching the movie an enthralling one.

In conclusion, Vice and Virtue is a beautifully crafted film that explores the intricacies of power, resistance, and the human spirit during one of the darkest periods in history. Vadim manages to create a compelling and realistic portrayal of Nazi-occupied France, and the performances of the lead actors are nothing short of remarkable. It is a film that will stay with you long after watching it.

Vice and Virtue is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.