Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
Having had his face ripped apart during the early days of World War One, French officer Adrien (Eric Caravaca) is transported to a Parisian military hospital. Initially unable to speak, he endures the first of countless operations performed by a plastic surgeon (André Dussollier) to rebuild his shattered features. Five years pass in the Officers’ Ward – a room without mirrors – until, buoyed by the encouragement of a compassionate nurse (Sabine Azéma) and the support of other badly scarred colleagues, Adrien finds the strength to contemplate a life outside the hospital.
In less skilful hands this humanistic tale of suffering and rebirth could have been cloyingly sentimental, yet writer-director François Dupeyron (1991’s A Beating Heart, 1994’s The Machine) has created an admirably sensitive and quietly moving drama. Japanese cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata photographs the disfigured characters with tactful finesse, favouring low angles and a muted colour palette, while Arvo Pärt’s score heightens the poignancy of the impressive ensemble performances. Captivating.
