The Statement

The Statement

Year: 2003

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Norman Jewison

Budget: $27M

DramaThriller

Following the aftermath of war, a determined magistrate and a resolute colonel launch a dangerous mission to apprehend a former collaborator who has concealed their identity. Their pursuit exposes long-buried secrets and challenges their convictions as they confront complex moral questions. As the truth emerges, loyalties are questioned, and the distinction between justice and potential redemption becomes increasingly unclear in this suspenseful drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Statement 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!

Timeline & Setting – The Statement (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Statement (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1944, 1980s

The film spans from the events of World War II in 1944 to the 1980s, highlighting the long-lasting effects of war and collaboration on individuals. During the 1980s, the societal context reflects ongoing struggles with the legacy of wartime actions and the quest for justice. This period is marked by increasing scrutiny of past atrocities and the complex interplay between memory and accountability.

Location

France, Marseille

The movie takes place primarily in France, with significant events unfolding in Marseille. France is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and as a backdrop for many significant historical events, including World War II. Marseille, a port city, has a storied past and serves as a crucial location as Brossard seeks refuge and confronts his past.

🇫🇷 France 🏙️ Marseille

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:02

Main Characters – The Statement (2003)

Meet the key characters of The Statement (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Pierre Brossard

Pierre Brossard is a conflicted character, a former Nazi collaborator who sought refuge after orchestrating the execution of Jewish lives during World War II. His actions from the past haunt him, leading him to a life of deception and paranoia. Brossard's struggle between survival and accountability forms the crux of his character arc.

👤 Protagonist ⚔️ Conflict 🏃‍♂️ Survivor

David Manenbaum

David Manenbaum plays the role of a hitman tasked with delivering justice for Brossard's past crimes. His determination to see Brossard brought to justice illustrates a personal vendetta intertwined with larger themes of morality and vengeance. Manenbaum's unexpected demise shifts the investigation's focus and escalates the tension surrounding Brossard's fate.

🔪 Vengeance 🕵️‍♂️ Assassin ⚡ Tension

Annemarie Livi

Judge Annemarie Livi is a resolute and determined investigator dedicated to uncovering the truth behind Brossard's past. Despite facing challenges and a lack of cooperation, her unyielding drive pushes her to connect the dots over decades of unresolved inquiries. Livi represents the quest for justice and the moral imperative of confronting historical wrongs.

👩‍⚖️ Justice 🔍 Detective 💪 Resilience

Colonel Roux

Colonel Roux is a key investigator who partners with Judge Livi in her pursuit of justice. His experience and insight into the complexities of the case highlight the collaboration between law enforcement and judicial systems. Roux's commitment adds depth to the investigation, emphasizing the struggle against powerful entities that benefit from silence.

👮‍♂️ Investigator 🗝️ Key 📜 Legacy

Nicole Brossard

Nicole, Pierre's estranged wife, embodies the personal turmoil caused by her husband's past actions. She is a maid in Marseille, struggling with her circumstances and the complex feelings surrounding their reunion. Her character adds an emotional layer to Brossard's journey as he seeks solace while confronting his haunting legacy.

💔 Estrangement 👩‍🍳 Maid 😟 Struggle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:02

Major Themes – The Statement (2003)

Explore the central themes of The Statement (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice runs deeply through the narrative as the main character, Pierre Brossard, faces the consequences of his past actions. A dedicated investigating judge and her partner uncover layers of conspiracy while attempting to achieve accountability for wartime atrocities. The quest for justice poses moral questions about vengeance, retribution, and the implications of long-buried secrets.

🔍 Investigation

The film intricately weaves an investigation into Brossard's past, focusing on the relentless efforts of Judge Annemarie Livi and Colonel Roux. Their determination sheds light on the complex web of past connections and the dangers of seeking truth in the face of power. The investigative theme emphasizes the need to confront historical injustices and the challenges therein.

🤝 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges as a crucial theme as Brossard grapples with trust among his allies and the impact of past relationships. His reliance on the Catholic community and old comrades illustrates the fragility of loyalty when survival is at stake. As the investigation intensifies, the cracks in Brossard's trust are revealed, culminating in unforeseen consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:02

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

Movies about investigating historical crimes like The Statement

Investigations into historical atrocities that uncover systemic corruption and moral decay.For viewers who liked The Statement, this list features similar movies about uncovering historical atrocities and war crimes. These tense investigative thrillers explore the grim legacy of the past, political cover-ups, and the moral ambiguity of seeking justice decades later.

tensemethodicalgrimparanoiddeterminedhistoricalconspiratorial

Narrative Summary

Narratives typically involve a present-day investigation that gradually peels back layers of official secrecy and personal denial surrounding a historical event. The protagonist faces institutional resistance and personal danger, leading to a climax that often reveals the widespread nature of the crime and the fragility of justice.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a central focus on the process of investigating a dark historical event, generating suspense from the uncovering of secrets rather than action. They feature a heavy emotional weight, a tense tone, and often a bittersweet or bleak conclusion about the nature of truth and redemption.

Morally complex chase thrillers like The Statement

Pursuits where the chase raises more ethical questions than it answers.If you enjoyed the tense cat-and-mouse game and moral dilemmas in The Statement, explore these films. They feature determined pursuers hunting elusive fugitives, but the chase is complicated by questions of guilt, redemption, and the corrupt systems that protect the guilty.

suspensefultenseparanoidmethodicalgrimethical dilemmachase

Narrative Summary

The narrative structure is a classic cat-and-mouse chase, but it is deepened by parallel character arcs. The pursuer's convictions are tested, while the fugitive's past and humanity are gradually revealed. The conflict forces all parties to confront difficult truths, leading to an ending that questions the very nature of the justice being sought.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are united by their use of the pursuit thriller format to explore weighty themes of guilt, complicity, and justice. They share a high-intensity, tense atmosphere, a steady pacing that builds suspense, and a conclusion that leans towards the bittersweet or ambiguous, prioritizing thematic resolution over tidy closure.

Unlock the Full Story of The Statement

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Statement 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 Statement is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Statement Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Statement, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Statement Summary

The Statement Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Statement with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Statement Timeline

The Statement Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Statement that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Statement Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Statement

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Statement: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Statement

Similar Movies to The Statement

Discover movies like The Statement that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.