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Poster for Lacombe, Lucien

Lacombe, Lucien

Seen it?

1974 | 138 min | Drama, War

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. 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 history buffs. If you loved The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas or Empire of the Sun, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Harrowing.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 18 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In Louis Malle's lauded drama, Lucien Lacombe is a young man living in rural France during World War II who seeks to join the French Resistance. When he is rejected due to his youth, the resentful Lucien allies himself with the Nazis and joins the Gallic arm of their Gestapo. Lucien grows to enjoy the power that comes with his position, but his life is complicated when he falls for France Horn, a beautiful young Jewish woman.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $13 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 34K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Louis Malle

  • Pierre BlaiseLucien Lacombe
  • Aurore ClémentFrance Horn
  • Holger LöwenadlerAlbert Horn
  • Therese GiehseLa Grand-mère
  • Stéphane BouyJean-Bernard
  • Loumi IacobescoBetty Beaulieu
  • René BoulocFaure
  • Jean RougerieTonin
  • Pierre DecazesAubert
  • Jacqueline StaupMelle Chauvelot