Love on the run in WW2

Andre Téchiné's film begins with the mass exodus from Paris after the German invasion. Nazi dive-bombers strafe the long trail of refugees, among whom is a widowed young teacher (Emmanuelle Béart) with her two children.

When a strange man offers refuge in the forest, the young mother warily accepts.

The quartet, after sleeping in the open, finally reach an unoccupied country house. They settle here until some defeated French soldiers arrive, whereupon the man becomes agitated.

It becomes clear, after they leave, that he is on the run from the police. It is also obvious that he is attracted to the teacher, and she to him.

Téchiné is a director of great precision, and his film is well-made, but his style often lacks the emotional kick that would transform it from good to great.

This wartime story, culled from a novel, is as intriguing as anything he has done in recent years. But it still lacks the basic power to be really memorable.

Strayed (Les Egares)
Cert: cert15