Every day, AlloCiné suggests a movie to watch or revisit on TV. Tonight’s pick: a French cinema classic that brilliantly criticizes the absurdity of war.
In October 1942, in Tobruk, a French commando unit destroys German fuel depots. Four soldiers manage to escape and soon find themselves lost in the vast desert. After an exhausting day’s march, they encounter a German armored car with five men inside. Only one survives and is taken prisoner. What follows is an incredible journey where, amidst danger, they discover the power of solidarity.
This synopsis belongs to “Un taxi pour Tobrouk,” a monumental classic of French cinema that denounces the absurdity of war. Released in 1961, this film is celebrated for its portrayal of friendship and is distinguished by the quality of its dialogue written by Michel Audiard, whose memorable lines have become a staple of the cinematic landscape over the years. Another highlight of this anti-war drama set in the desert, far from a typical war movie, is the flawless performances by Lino Ventura, Charles Aznavour, Maurice Biraud, Germán Cobos, and Hardy Krüger. It’s a captivating, humane, and humor-filled piece that comes highly recommended.
“Un taxi pour Tobrouk” is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by René Havard, who likely drew inspiration from several real-life events of the Desert War. According to Pierre Bellemare, the film’s story was greatly influenced by a real incident involving two soldiers, one Danish and the other German, who got lost in Greenland in 1943.
Nearly 5 Million Viewers Have Joined the Ride
Winner of the 1961 Grand Prix du cinéma français (an award created by Louis Lumière, one of the pioneers of cinema), “Un taxi pour Tobrouk” marks one of many collaborations between Michel Audiard and director Denys de La Patellière, who also worked together on “Les Grandes familles,” “Rue des Prairies,” and “Le Bateau d’Emile.” With nearly 5 million tickets sold in French theaters, this beloved classic is coming to your living room tonight. Are you interested?
Tonight on France 5 at 9:05 PM
Watch the trailer for “Un taxi pour Tobrouk”:
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.