Surviving Occupied Paris – Farewell, Mr. Haffmann

Mar 26, 2024 by

By Sue Weston and Susan Rosenbluth, Two Sues on the Aisle

The occupation of Paris in 1941 changed everything for Jewish residents. They had only a few days to recognize the danger and react, sending their families to the safe zone. The protagonist, Mr. Haffmann, (Daniel Auteuil) a Jewish jeweler, who was forced to flee Poland as a child, recognizes the signs and decides to send his family away while he wraps up his business. He intends to follow them but is unable to escape Paris. German checkpoints have popped up everywhere. 

Farewell, Mr. Haffmann is a historical fiction sharing how he survived Nazi-occupied Paris after returning home. He is constantly at risk of being discovered and becomes a captive in the basement of his house, dependent on the kindness of his former employee Mercier to survive.

Greed and Gratitude

To protect his business and leave Paris quickly, Haffmann signed the deed to his store over to his employee, François Mercier (Gilles Lellouche) with the understanding that he would reclaim it after the war.

François is an ordinary man whose goals are simple. He wants to start a family with the woman he loves, Blanche (Sara Giraudeau), and one day own a store selling jewelry he designed. François agrees to the arrangement. Haffmann’s offer is a dream come true. He will ‘borrow’ the store to create a line of jewelry and live with Blanche in the luxurious apartment above the store.

Unfortunately, François’ gratitude is short-lived. As it gradually fades, it is replaced by a sense of entitlement. François, who feels that he has been denied success his entire life, soon forgets that his jewelry business was the result of another’s hard work. François spends his evenings socializing alone at Nazis’ parties and returns home drunk. Success changes him which distances him from Blanche.

Sara Giraudeau and Daniel Auteuil

Always a Gentleman

Despite everything, Haffmann remains composed, congenial, and ethical. He takes nothing for granted, paying François to provide his meals and to send letters that he hopes will reach his wife. Haffmann is frequently shown alone in the basement, reading and writing. From this hiding place, he can see the street and can reach out to take a newspaper from a bicycle propped at the opening to the basement. He watches as his friends and neighbors are rounded up.

Haffmann is constantly at risk, aware that at any moment he can be discovered. When a child’s ball falls through the opening, German officers enter the store and ask to retrieve it. François is flustered, unable to speak German and only Blanche’s quick action protects Haffmann.

In an unimaginable scenario, Haffmann becomes a prisoner in the basement below his home while François parades Nazis through the store above.

Throughout the film there is a constant undercurrent of fear and isolation as three lives are connected, joined by circumstance and proximity.

Haffmann turns his store over to François Mercier (Gilles Lellouche)

Emotional and Exciting

The acting, direction, and cinematography are excellent, creating a sense of being there. Writer/director Fred Cavayé captures the emotional conflicts and keeps us on the edge of our seats for the entire film. Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, is based on Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s play.

Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, explores the best and worst of humanity, with a twisting plot that constantly ratchetes up the tension toward an unexpected conclusion.

******

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed. 

 Farewell, Mr. Haffmann received 4 challahs

In French with English Subtitles. Run Time: 115 Minutes

Opens in New York City on March 29th at Quad & New Plaza Cinemas   

four challah rating

Four Challah Rating

Related Posts

Tags

Share This