The Accompanist (1992)

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Sophie (Romane Bohringer), a masterful pianist, is hired by opera singer Irene (Elena Safonova) to be her accompanist onstage in Nazi-occupied Paris. Irene is married to businessman Charles (Richard Bohringer) but is having an affair with Jacques (Samuel Labarthe). Sophie, Irene, and Charles decide to leave France for London. They are attacked by a single German plane on their way, but make it. The climax, involving death and lost love, is chilling.

Why did I love this film so much? The pace is slow, but it gives you a chance to get to know the characters, all of whom are so well-drawn and acted, I kept forgetting this was fiction. Irene is completely unhappy with her marriage, but keeps smiling onstage. Charles wrestles with his conscience, telling himself he is not taking financial gains collaborating with the Nazis. Sophie, the main character, just wants to belong in a normal life situation, witnessing it from anywhere else but the piano bench as some singer's go-fer. The direction and cinematography are excellent, and the classical music, featuring Beethoven, Mozart, et al., is incredible. I am at a loss of words about what a good film this is, and this will give you another side of WWII.

Stats:
(1992) 102 min. (* * * * 1/2) out of five stars
-Directed by Claude Miller
-Scenario, adaptation, and dialogue by Claude Miller & Luc Beraud, Freely adapted from the novel by Nina Berberova
-Cast: Romane Bohringer, Elena Safonova, Richard Bohringer, Samuel Labarthe, Julien Rassam, Bernard Verley, Nelly Borgeaud, Claude Rich, Marcel Berbert, Barbara Hicks, Paul Jerricho, Niels Dubost, Sacha Briquet
(PG)