The Exception
A24 | Release Date: June 2, 2017
Summary: German soldier Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in The Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country’s authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to German soldier Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in The Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country’s authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser’s life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke (Lily James), one of the Kaiser’s maids whom Brandt soon discovers is secretly Jewish. When Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan), Head of the SS, decides to come for an unexpected visit with a large platoon of Nazis in tow, the stage is set for a breathtaking showdown, as secrets are revealed, allegiances are tested, and Brandt is forced to make the ultimate choice between honoring his country and following his heart. [A24] … Expand
Genre(s): Drama. Romance. War
Runtime: 107 min
A fairly interesting period drama/romance. The easiest thing to single out about it is without a doubt Christopher Plummer, who always seems to make a film worthwhile, even if it's nothing amazing. That being said, the chemistry and scenes between Lily James and Jai Courtney felt a bit forced at times, and I also found it especially silly and ridiculous how they pretty much jump straight into sex with each other right as soon as they meet for the A fairly interesting period drama/romance. The easiest thing to single out about it is without a doubt Christopher Plummer, who always seems to make a film worthwhile, even if it's nothing amazing. That being said, the chemistry and scenes between Lily James and Jai Courtney felt a bit forced at times, and I also found it especially silly and ridiculous how they pretty much jump straight into sex with each other right as soon as they meet for the first time towards the beginning. Overall, in terms of its story, it's nothing too memorable or amazing like I said, but it's still interesting and worthwhile enough to give a view, and Plummer stands out rather well as always. … Expand
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Was this meant to be a good film or a true depiction of history? Would Christopher Plummer have taken his role if it had portrayed the real “Kaiser Bill”? Probably not. So I guess what the film was about was “exceptions,” which was a term used many times throughout the film. I enjoyed the film since it was well-directed and had many attractive and skillful actors. And I won’t ruin it for you by telling you what the exceptions are. As long as you Was this meant to be a good film or a true depiction of history? Would Christopher Plummer have taken his role if it had portrayed the real “Kaiser Bill”? Probably not. So I guess what the film was about was “exceptions,” which was a term used many times throughout the film. I enjoyed the film since it was well-directed and had many attractive and skillful actors. And I won’t ruin it for you by telling you what the exceptions are. As long as you are not bothered by seeing yet another film about the Third Reich and one that is not especially original or accurate, you will enjoy this film. It’s far better than brainless action film to many of us on a hot summer day. … Expand
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A modestly entertaining historical drama that likely has more to do with drama than with history. The often-predictable narrative, schmaltzy presentation values and sometimes-absurd dialogue don't help matters, either. However, the once again stellar acting of Christopher Plummer and Janet McTeer keep this one from being a complete failure, delivering fine efforts in the face of what they have to work with. Still, even with such fine performances, A modestly entertaining historical drama that likely has more to do with drama than with history. The often-predictable narrative, schmaltzy presentation values and sometimes-absurd dialogue don't help matters, either. However, the once again stellar acting of Christopher Plummer and Janet McTeer keep this one from being a complete failure, delivering fine efforts in the face of what they have to work with. Still, even with such fine performances, I'd recommend waiting for the DVD on this one. … Expand
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Jai Courtney plays a gym-buffed German soldier who's sent to the Netherlands to protect and spy on exiled Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). Almost immediately upon arrival, he falls for a maid (Lily James), which introduces a quandary: allegiance to his country or to his heart. Their relationship has some interesting romantic (and erotic) moments, but Plummer's showcase speeches slows the story's momentum. While there's potential for Jai Courtney plays a gym-buffed German soldier who's sent to the Netherlands to protect and spy on exiled Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). Almost immediately upon arrival, he falls for a maid (Lily James), which introduces a quandary: allegiance to his country or to his heart. Their relationship has some interesting romantic (and erotic) moments, but Plummer's showcase speeches slows the story's momentum. While there's potential for a gripping romantic drama, the interactions are too muted to do any gripping. The period elements make for an attractive look, but the subdued direction and passive pacing keep this film from being exceptional. … Expand
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As a romantic-thriller it isn't great, with the romance being forced and the thrills never really delivering, but the performances and attention to production detail are so great it may be enough to distract you. Christopher Plummer is brilliant and sympathetic as the Kaiser, and the normally bland and blah Jai Courtney is actually solid (following SUICIDE SQUAD I'm wondering if he's turned a corner in his career). As a WWII buff I may have found As a romantic-thriller it isn't great, with the romance being forced and the thrills never really delivering, but the performances and attention to production detail are so great it may be enough to distract you. Christopher Plummer is brilliant and sympathetic as the Kaiser, and the normally bland and blah Jai Courtney is actually solid (following SUICIDE SQUAD I'm wondering if he's turned a corner in his career). As a WWII buff I may have found more to enjoy here than most, but if you prefer performances over story then I'd say this is worth a watch. … Expand
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