Gaumont’s WWII Drama ‘Rays and Shadows’ Triggers Firestorm and Reopens France’s Deepest Wound Over Nazi Past
Why it matters: The film reopens France's deepest wound over its Nazi past, sparking a full-blown national culture war.
- Gaumont is at the heart of a national culture war with Xavier Giannoli’s polarizing film “Rays and Shadows.”
- “Rays and Shadows” tackles the taboo topic of French collaboration with the Nazis, a subject previously addressed by Gaumont’s “Lacombe Lucien.”
- Xavier Giannoli’s film is described as polarizing, indicating strong, differing opinions on its portrayal of historical events.
Gaumont's new WWII drama, "Rays and Shadows," has ignited a national culture war in France by revisiting the sensitive topic of French collaboration with the Nazis, a subject first explored by the studio five decades ago with Louis Malle’s “Lacombe Lucien.” Xavier Giannoli’s polarizing film is reopening deep historical wounds and sparking intense debate across the country.
