The Two of Us DVD Review

When French Director, Claude Berri was a little Jewish boy living in Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII, his parents decided that it would be safest to send him to the countryside to live with the Catholic parents of a friend until after the war. Eight year-old Claude was forced to hide his identity while staying with the kindly, elderly, anti-Semitic, Catholic couple. This is the story of the wonderful time he had!

The Two of Us is based on Claude Berri’s experiences. Claude is played beautifully by young actor, Alain Cohen, in his first role. Veteran French actor, Michel Simon plays the curmudgeonly, staunchly anti-Semitic Pepe (Grandpa). The two become great friends sharing lots of fun and a few touching moments.

This movie is just delightful from start to finish. Alain Cohen is charming and mischievous and Michel Simon is hilarious and touching. Simon was a legendary French actor. This late-in-life role was one of his most memorable. Scenes in which young Claude pretends to be “afraid” of being Jewish, based on Pepe’s description of Jews and then turns the tables and points out that Pepe looks a bit Jewish himself are charming. Scenes in which the two are playing chase, swinging, and romping around pretending are simply uproarious.

The plot is clever and cute. Knowing that the movie is based on a true story makes it even more fun. I really think anyone could enjoy this movie. The dialogue is not complex, so there is not a lot to reading the subtitles. Watching the actors is entertaining in itself. I felt very light-hearted when the story ended.

This 1967 French Comedy/Drama is poignant and lighthearted. The Two of Us was acclaimed director Claude Berri's debut feature length film. Be sure to watch the special features, especially the interview with Alain Cohen, who is now a mature man. He speaks so fondly of Michel Simon and Claude Berri. It is a pleasure to hear. Claude Berri’s very first film, an Oscar winning short feature called Le Poulet, is also included in the Special Features. It is quite charming.

I hope you will remember to rate this HUB (just above the COMMENTS section) and LIKE/TWEET it (just below the title).