A Matter of Resistance (1966)

A Matter of Resistance is that rare wartime romp that stays feather-light without losing its bite, turning occupied Normandy into a stage for flirtation, farce, and sly romantic intrigue. With a witty script that sparkles in conversation and situation, the film lets Catherine Deneuve’s Marie glide through a crumbling château like a dream of Parisian escape, while Philippe Noiret brings wonderfully human comedy to a husband who’s outmatched by events and emotions alike. The vibe is pure, charming French amusement—playful, mischievous, and buoyed by performances that make every raised eyebrow and polite lie feel deliciously alive. If you’re looking for grim realism, this isn’t it; but if you want an entertaining classic with a light Gallic touch and a romantic tangle that never takes itself too seriously, it’s an easy delight.

A Matter of Resistance wants to be a cheeky wartime farce-romance, mixing D-Day intrigue with a love triangle and a bored wife dreaming of Parisian glamour. The problem is the tone wobbles: the spy plot and German suitor feel more like flimsy setup than believable tension, and the comedy often lands as mild rather than laugh-out-loud. If you’re expecting sharp satire, tight storytelling, or modern pacing, this can feel thin and oddly weightless for its setting. Still, if you enjoy old-school French black-and-white cinema, flirtatious banter, and you’re happy to coast on mood and premise more than punchlines, there’s enough charm to justify a watch.