Suite Française

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Suite Française

2014

1h 47m

History

Drama

Romance

War

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

75%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Her husband away at war, a lonely Frenchwoman (Michelle Williams) begins a tentative romance with the refined German soldier (Matthias Schoenaerts) who has taken up residence in her mother-in-law's house.

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Critics Consensus

Suite Française takes an understated approach to its period romance, which -- along with strong performances from a talented cast -- pays absorbing dividends.

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Geoff Pevere

Globe and Mail

Jul 3, 2015

2.5/4

A sturdy enough but ultimately overpolite entry into the classic wartime women's melodrama, in which war's impact on the lonely heart is nearly as devastating as the havoc wreaked on limb and landscape.

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Liz Braun

Toronto Sun

Jul 2, 2015

3.5/5

What could be all-too-familiar here is mostly fresh and engaging, thanks to understated storytelling and a great cast.

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Bruce DeMara

Toronto Star

Jul 2, 2015

3/4

As doomed wartime romances go, the film doesn't offer anything particularly original. But with palpable tension and poignancy, Suite Francaise is fine filmmaking well worth watching.

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Bertie Archer

One Room With A View

May 14, 2019

3/5

Not a classic, though a welcome addition to the genre.

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Lucy Popescu

CineVue

Apr 4, 2019

4/5

Eduard Grau's cinematography, terrific performances all round, in particular the simmering chemistry between Schoenaerts and Williams, should ensure Suite Française's success as well as adding to Némirovsky's fan base.

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Rosalynn Try-Hane

Battle Royale With Cheese

Aug 22, 2018

A note perfect glimpse of life in occupied France during the Second World War: the horrors, desperation and love that grows from a shared passion of music.

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Michael A

@Kinich61 Aug 19, 2026

Great screenplay, directing, and acting.

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Megan C

@TexIcana Jul 16, 2026

What hinders this wonderful movie is that the story is NOT about the actual composer of Suite Francasse. This incidence of man-washing makes a wonderful scene chomping tale for actors and crew alike but leaves one wondering what all that talent could have done telling the ACTUAL story.

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Mary M.

@MaryM15 Jun 7, 2026

Love can grow in the most unexpected places. A sad and beautiful movie about a very ugly and dark time. Wonderful performances by all.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 26, 2026

Suite Française is a beautifully made romance and war drama that delivers both emotional depth and strong performances. The film creates a powerful atmosphere from the beginning, blending tension, heartbreak, and human connection in a very natural way. One of the best parts of the movie is how it balances romance with the harsh realities of war. The story feels mature and emotional without becoming overly dramatic, and the pacing allows the characters and relationships to develop properly. The cast does an excellent job bringing the film to life, especially through the quieter emotional moments. The cinematography, music, and historical setting all work together to create a memorable and immersive experience. Overall, Suite Française is a very good watch for fans of romance and war films. It tells an emotional story with elegance and strong direction, and I would rate it an 8/10 for its performances, atmosphere, and emotional impact.

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Meri S.

@mschroeder Nov 9, 2025

A well acted period drama. Very understated. And based on a true story.

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Suzana T

@RT18166572 Sep 23, 2025

Lieutenant Bruno being a composer before becoming a soldier doesn't change the ethical dilemma and his artistic talent does not absolve him of his involvement in a brutal regime. Nonetheless, I loved the romantic side of the movie. We are human and flawed. The forbidden romance makes the movie intriguing and sexy.

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Saul Dibb

Director

Michelle Williams

Lucile Angellier

Matthias Schoenaerts

Bruno von Falk

Kristin Scott Thomas

Madame Angellier

Sam Riley

Benoit

Ruth Wilson

Madeleine

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Synopsis

Her husband away at war, a lonely Frenchwoman (Michelle Williams) begins a tentative romance with the refined German soldier (Matthias Schoenaerts) who has taken up residence in her mother-in-law's house.

Director: Saul Dibb
Producer: Xavier Marchand, Romain Bremond, Michael Kuhn, Andrea Cornwell
Screenwriter: Matt Charman, Saul Dibb
Production Co: Qwerty Films, Scope Pictures, Alliance
Genre: History, Drama, Romance, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 6, 2017
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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