A Matter of Resistance

A Matter of Resistance

Year: 1966

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: French

Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau

RomanceComedy

In 1945 near the Normandy coast, Marie lives in an old château with her husband Jérôme, who refuses to take her to Paris. A German unit camps there as its commander pursues her. A French resistance spy, posing as her brother to aid the Allies’ D‑Day plan, courts her and forgets his mission. Heroism emerges and Marie must choose her future.

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Timeline & Setting – A Matter of Resistance (1966)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Matter of Resistance (1966). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

May 1944

The story unfolds in the weeks leading up to the Allied invasion of Normandy. German defenses loom over the coastline while a local Resistance network operates under pressure. Paratroopers and air support are framed as the crucial turning points that could change the fate of the region.

Location

Normandy coast, Paris

On the Normandy coast, a crumbling château sits above sheer cliffs and a nearby blockhouse. The estate becomes a focal point for romance, intrigue, and wartime maneuvering as locals and Free French fighters coordinate with Allied forces. The looming German fortifications and the sea below shape every decision until the impending liberation arrives.

❄️ War-torn Normandy 🏰 Château setting 🌊 Coastal cliffs 🇫🇷 Occupied France 🪖 German fortifications

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:25

Main Characters – A Matter of Resistance (1966)

Meet the key characters of A Matter of Resistance (1966), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marie (Catherine Deneuve)

A young wife who longs for Parisian glamour, she is the daughter of Dimanche. Her pursuit of freedom drives the plot, drawing her toward Julien and into dangerous choices, even as she becomes a catalyst for resistance.

❄️ Romance 🌹 Forbidden Attraction 🧭 Escape

Jérôme (Philippe Noiret)

The mild, dutiful husband of the estate who reveals unexpected courage. He defies the guards, escapes confinement, and ultimately joins the Resistance.

🛡️ Courage 🧭 Loyalty 🧩 Resilience

Dimanche (Pierre Brasseur)

A local farmer who heads the Resistance network and embodies quiet leadership. His influence helps coordinate the plan, and he becomes a central figure in resisting the occupiers.

🧭 Leadership 👨‍🌾 Farmer 🗝️ Family

Julien (Henri-Garcin)

A Free French officer embedded with the estate, posing as Marie's brother. His feelings for Marie complicate his duty, and he faces consequences for pursuing love over orders.

💔 Love 🚨 Risk 🧭 Deception

Klopstock (Carlos Thompson)

The German commander billeted on the family who becomes enamored with Marie. His pursuit of control leads to catching fugitives and facing disciplinary action when plans unravel.

⚔️ Authority 💘 Obsession 🗡️ Betrayal

Schimmelbeck (Marc Dudicourt)

A German guard who locks Jérôme and the mother in the cellar and enforces occupation-era authority at the château.

🛡️ Guard 🗝️ Authority 🧱 Conflict

American Officer (Donald O'Brien)

An American liaison coordinating with Dimanche and the Resistance to guide paratroopers to the back of the blockhouse and seize the fortification.

🪖 Military 🗺️ Strategy 🪂 Paratroopers

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:25

Major Themes – A Matter of Resistance (1966)

Explore the central themes of A Matter of Resistance (1966), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

Marie and Julien’s romance blossoms amid occupation and danger, risking discovery by both the Germans and Marie’s arranged social world. Their bond complicates loyalties and tests decisions that could derail resistance plans. The relationship becomes a catalyst for risk, concealment, and bold choices.

🛡️ Resistance

Dimanche leads a local Resistance network that collaborates with Free French forces and American paratroopers. The night plan to guide troops to the back of the blockhouse requires secrecy, courage, and trust among villagers and fugitives alike. The defense and escape attempt symbolize collective defiance against occupation.

🕊️ Liberation

Shells pound the château as Allied ships approach, signaling a shift toward freedom. Jérôme and Marie join the Resistance in Paris alongside liberating troops. The final march with the Allies marks a new era after years of occupation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:25

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A Matter of Resistance Summary

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A Matter of Resistance Summary

A Matter of Resistance Timeline

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A Matter of Resistance Timeline

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A Matter of Resistance (1966) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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A Matter of Resistance (1966) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow