The Fire Within
Seen it?1963 | 108 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1963: an older pace and style.
Depressed Alain Leroy leaves the clinic where he was detoxified. He meets friends, acquaintances and women, trying to find a reason to continue living.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
Won 1 Venice award: Grand Jury Prize of the Venice Film Festival.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 33K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Louis Malle
- Maurice RonetAlain Leroy
- Léna SkerlaLydia
- Yvonne ClechMademoiselle Farnoux
- Hubert DeschampsD'Averseau
- Jean-Paul MoulinotDr. La Barbinais
- Mona DolMadame La Barbinais
- Pierre MoncorbierMoraine
- René DupuyCharlie (as René Dupuis)
- Bernard TiphaineMilou
- Bernard NoëlDubourg