Directed by:
David LeveauxScreenplay:
Simon BurkeCinematography:
Roman OsinComposer:
Ilan EshkeriCast:
Jai Courtney, Lily James, Christopher Plummer, Eddie Marsan, Janet McTeer, Ben Daniels, Mark Dexter, Martin Swabey, Lucas Tavernier, Verona VerbakelVOD (4)
Plots(1)
The Exception concentrates on these last years in the life of Wilhelm (Plummer). Living in a rambling country mansion with his wife, Princess Hermine (Janet McTeer), and a small retinue of aides and servants, the erstwhile emperor is given a new lease on life by the Nazi invasion of France and the Lowlands, which sees Holland fall under German subjugation. Fantasizing about a return to Berlin and the throne, Wilhelm soon finds himself under the supervision of an SS captain (Jai Courtney) and a detachment of German soldiers. Meanwhile, the Kaiser's entourage hires a new maid (Lily James), in whom the captain takes an immediate interest. The stage is set for a story of subterfuge and espionage, all of which comes to a head with a visit from Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan), head of the SS. (Toronto International Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (1)
Christopher Plummer shows what a great actor he is, and that he certainly hasn't forgotten any of his artistry. Nevertheless, he is not the main character; that role belongs to Lily James and Jay Courtney in a romance full of passion, lies, and betrayal, which ultimately becomes quite dull because it doesn't bring anything new. The Nazis almost don't fit in here, although it is, of course, based on historical events.
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