The Truth Behind the 'Retaliation List': Re-examining Historical Facts Today

During World War II, the assassination of a German officer in Nazi-occupied France led Hitler to order the execution of 150 French citizens. The film dramatizes this historical event. Guy Môquet, who appears in the movie, became a symbol of the tragic resistance against the Nazis due to his youth, and his name was even given to a Paris Métro station.

Now, in the 21st century, director Schlöndorff re-examines the historical facts, portraying not just Guy Môquet as a symbol, but also the French officials tasked with selecting hostages for retaliation and the anti-Nazi German officers, all depicted with unsentimental precision. This has resulted in a true story centered around the 'retaliation list' of 27 individuals.



The protagonist is Guy Môquet, played by Léo-Paul Salmain, who won the Best Actor award at the Béziers International Film Festival for this role. Claude Lalet, who is to be executed on the day he should have been released, is portrayed by Martin Loizillon. Victorine Dubois plays Odette, the beautiful girl who connects with the two. Supporting the young trio are accomplished French and German actors such as Marc Barbé and André Jung.

How Difficult It Is to Stop the Gears Once They Begin to Turn

In 1941, a German officer was assassinated in Nazi-occupied France. Hitler immediately ordered the execution of 150 French prisoners as retaliation. German military officials at the Paris command, sensing the danger of excessive reprisal, attempted to circumvent Hitler's order. However, time was running out, and hostages were selected from the Châteaubriant prison, which held many political prisoners. Among them was 17-year-old Guy Môquet, arrested for distributing anti-occupation leaflets at a cinema.



'Letters from Chateaubriand'
Opening sequentially nationwide from Saturday, October 25th
Director & Screenplay | Volker Schlöndorff
Cast | Léo-Paul Salmain, Marc Barbé, Ulrich Matthes, Arielle Dombasle, Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Distribution | Moviola
2012 / France-Germany Co-production / 91 min / Original Title 'LA MER À L’AUBE'
http://www.moviola.jp/tegami/

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