The Army of Crime
Year: 2010
Runtime: 139 min
Language: French
Director: Robert Guédiguian
During World War II, Armenian immigrant Missak Manouchian leads a diverse group of resistance fighters against the Nazi occupation of France. Alongside his wife, Mélinée, he organizes audacious operations targeting German officers, initiating a dangerous pursuit as the enemy attempts to uncover the group's identities. Their actions become a symbol of defiance and courage in the face of oppression, highlighting the bravery of those who fought for freedom.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Army of Crime yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
The Army of Crime (2010) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Army of Crime (2010), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the heart of Paris during the harrowing time of the German occupation, various resistance movements began to take shape, including efforts made by migrants. A mismatched assembly of fighters emerged, engaging in poorly coordinated attacks against the occupying forces. Among them was Missak Manouchian, an Armenian exile whose principles initially held him back from taking a life, as he grappled with the ethical implications of such actions. Nonetheless, the grim realities of his situation compelled him to confront his reservations. Under his guidance, the group of 23 fighters became organized, evolving into what would famously be known as the Manouchian Group. This band was part of a broader network of around 100 resistance members who orchestrated a majority of the armed resistance actions within Paris throughout 1943.
The film vividly chronicles the journey of this resolute group, detailing their formation, the eventual arrests, and their grim trial by a German military court, which culminated in the execution of its members in 1944.
In a bid to diminish public sympathies towards these resistance fighters and to tarnish their image, the Vichy government resorted to distributing and displaying countless posters, nicknamed L’Affiche rouge for their striking red background. These posters featured the images of ten notable members of the group, alongside personal information intended to label the migrants as mere terrorists and criminals. However, the sentiment among the public was remarkably different; many responded by inscribing the phrase Morts pour La France (Died for France) across these posters, a phrase typically reserved to honor fallen soldiers. Individuals also left flowers as a poignant tribute, reflecting the deep respect and recognition for the sacrifices made by these brave fighters.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:49
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Tragic Historical Resistance movies like The Army of Crime
Stories of desperate defiance against oppression that end in tragic sacrifice.If you were moved by the courageous yet tragic story in The Army of Crime, explore more movies like it. This section features similar historical dramas about resistance movements, where characters fight for freedom against oppressive regimes, leading to somber and emotionally heavy conclusions that honor their sacrifice.
The Army of Crime
2010
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
2006
Valkyrie
2008
Anthropoid
2016
Yesterday’s Enemy
1959
Battle of the Brave
2004
In the Time of the Butterflies
2001
Nurse Edith Cavell
1939
The Hindenburg
1975
Cliffs of Freedom
2019
Saints and Soldiers
2004
Hell Is for Heroes
1962
1971
2007
Bataan
1943
United 93
2006
Narrative Summary
The narrative typically involves the formation of a resistance cell, their daring operations, the growing threat of capture, and an inevitable, tragic ending—often execution or death. The emotional arc moves from determination and defiance to grim acceptance of fate, culminating in a legacy that transcends their physical demise.
Why These Movies?
These films are grouped by their shared focus on historical resistance, a tense and somber tone, high-stakes narratives of life and death, and profoundly sad endings that are nonetheless infused with a sense of inspirational legacy. They deliver a heavy emotional weight centered on sacrifice.
Moral pressure cooker dramas with pacing like The Army of Crime
Character-driven dramas where ethical choices unfold under relentless, oppressive tension.For viewers who appreciated the steady, tense build-up of moral conflict in The Army of Crime, this section collects movies with a similar vibe. Discover other character-driven stories where individuals face heavy ethical dilemmas under extreme pressure, leading to gripping and somber narratives.
Narrative Summary
Stories in this thread unfold with a steady, almost inevitable pace, focusing less on action and more on the psychological and ethical strain on the characters. The central conflict is internal and external, as protagonists grapple with the consequences of their actions while operating under constant threat, building towards a climax defined by sacrifice or profound choice.
Why These Movies?
These movies share a specific mix of a steady, methodical pacing and a consistently high-tone tension. They are united by their focus on moral conflict in life-or-death scenarios, resulting in a heavy emotional weight and a viewing experience that is gripping and somber rather than fast-paced or action-oriented.
Unlock the Full Story of The Army of Crime
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Army of Crime in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Army of Crime is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
The Army of Crime Timeline
Track the full timeline of The Army of Crime with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Characters, Settings & Themes in The Army of Crime
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Army of Crime. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
