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The Guardians
July 7, 2018 - July 8, 2018
Nathalie Baye stars in this story of resilience unfolding against the backdrop of World War I. The women of the Paridier farm, under the deft hand of Hortense, the family’s matriarch must grapple with the workload while the men, including two sons, are off at the front. Hortense reluctantly brings on an outsider, the hard-scrabble teenage orphan, Francine to help her daughter Solange. Newfound independence is acquired, yet emotions are stirred especially when the men return from the front on short leaves. Acclaimed filmmaker Xavier Beauvois (Of Gods and Men) revels in the mysteries and beauties of the French countryside, here unravaged by war, with painterly images bathed in natural light, yet keeps his focus on the intricate drama that plays out against the upheaval of the Great War.
Nathalie Baye has appeared in 80 films, been nominated for 10 Best Actress Cesar Awards, and won 4 of them.
France / subtitles / 138 min
Critics Pick! A beautifully photographed chronicle of rural existence … Iris Bry is an exceptional presence onscreen, by turns warm and sharp, innocent and wise … Nathalie Baye, one of the great living French screen actresses, is magnificent.” – A.O. Scott, New York Times
Imagine devoting several years, as Mr. Beauvois did, to making a reflective, bucolic feature that is organized around the themes of community and evolving culture. It’s all too subtle for words, but perfect for moving pictures. –Wall Street Journal
A MASTERPIECE! A loving vision of the countryside … like paintings in motion. The performances are extraordinary. – Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
An intimate French epic, elegantly made and quietly emotional … Beauvois is a quiet visionary. – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
One of the year’s most affecting love stories. – Simon Abrams, The Village Voice
★★★★★. MARVELOUS. Beauvois has a seismic sensitivity to the ordeals faced by enclosed communities in wartime. – Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Even the livestock give devastating performances. – Andrew Wright, The Stranger
Sun, July 8
The Guardians 5pm @ Bear’s Place – Last Chance!
Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc 7:45 @ Bear’s Place