Arch of Triumph

The story takes place on the eve of World War II, when political tensions in Europe are at a breaking point. Paris is a sanctuary for dissidents and refugees but rapidly becoming a site of surveillance and danger as the Nazis tighten control. The impending war shapes every choice, from love to escape plans.

Paris in 1939 is a city under threat as fascist forces tighten their grip. The film unfolds on the streets and bridges over the Seine, with the Arc de Triomphe looming as a symbol of national pride and looming occupation. Refugees, illegal papers, and the hunted atmosphere define daily life as the war edges closer.

❤️ Love under pressure

A passionate romance forms between Ravic and Joan amid the danger of exile and Gestapo pursuit. Their relationship is tested by fear, secrecy, and the pull of competing loyalties as war closes in.

🪪 Identity and exile

Ravic lives under a false name, a constant reminder of his status as a fugitive. The search for belonging clashes with the necessity to survive, as the city itself becomes a backdrop for questions about who we are when authorities erase names and papers.

⚔️ Revenge and consequence

Ravic's pursuit of Haake is driven by a desire for justice, but it comes at a personal cost. The cycle of violence unfolds in a city already besieged by war, highlighting how vengeance can trap even principled people.

🕊️ Sacrifice and despair

Love turns into sacrifice as the couple faces loss and pain. The ending emphasizes the cost of resistance and the human price of conflict, with lovers paying a heavy toll as the war looms.