3 out of 5

Director: Claude Miller

This is a very interesting film in terms of execution. The title really says it all – the film is more a study of how a kept secret remains and unfolds over time, and though I was worried that the thing would get mired in historical exposition, the background of the film serves more to underline this study of secrets instead of turning this into a World War II yarn. In that sense the subtlety of the plotting absolutely succeeds. At the same time, it sometimes inhibits the “entertainment” value of the film (which, to me, is the ability to sit still and watch something), as the narrative plays around and around with something that you pretty much understand, but still dances around it. Some of the flashbacks seem more like set dressing than anything, as well, though they do serve to set the sort of murky tone for the whole affair. The overall narrative structure – a flashback – also hurts the film, robbing it, slightly, of emotional impact. But it’s difficult to say how else to present it. Anyhow, I would say this is a good use of time for those who enjoy patient, quiet movies. It doesn’t really “do” anything to the viewer (I didn’t have to think), but it’s an interesting study of relationships and secrets.