X
- 2017
- R
- A24
- 1 h 47 m
- 2017
- R
- A24
- 1 h 47 m
Summary German soldier Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in The Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country’s authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins...
Directed By: David Leveaux
Written By: Simon Burke, Alan Judd
- 2017
- R
- A24
- 1 h 47 m
- 2017
- R
- A24
- 1 h 47 m
The Exception
60
6.2
Where to Watch
Summary German soldier Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in The Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country’s authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins...
Directed By: David Leveaux
Written By: Simon Burke, Alan Judd
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
60
60% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
40% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
60
60% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
40% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The superb English stage director David Leveaux keeps the pacing taut while creating space for his actors to work their magic.
For the most part it works, both as a bizarre romance and a fanciful World War II almost-thriller. This is in large part thanks to the cast, particularly Christopher Plummer as Wilhelm.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 26 User Ratings
6.2
54% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
38% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
8% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 26 User Ratings
6.2
54% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
38% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
8% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
A look at the German Royal family during the WWII.
A book based film, partially inspired by the real, but I really loved. In the backdrop of the world war two, it focused on the German royal family, Kaiser. An officer sent to protect him during the **** Germany's invasion of Europe, possibly from the spies. So during his stint, all events that unfolded were revealed to us with a twist at the end. The twist was predictable, so they did not hide it for the perfect moment and to make the film entirely rely on it. What's important is it was more a straightforward narration. Though there were some tense moments.
Overall a great drama. I did not know what to expect, whether a thriller or romance, but it mixed them all together nicely. Of course, Jai was good, and so Lily James, but I was very impressed by Christopher Plummer. This film was awesome because of this 88 year old Canadian actor. Directed by a newcomer, and he did his part nicely. One of the fine addition to the world war two related dramas. It has a strong sex scene, otherwise would have been fit for all. Definitely I suggest it if you're interested!
7.5/10
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A fairly interesting period drama/romance. The easiest thing to single out about it is without a doubt Christopher Plummer, who always seems to make a film worthwhile, even if it's nothing amazing. That being said, the chemistry and scenes between Lily James and Jai Courtney felt a bit forced at times, and I also found it especially silly and ridiculous how they pretty much jump straight into sex with each other right as soon as they meet for the first time towards the beginning. Overall, in terms of its story, it's nothing too memorable or amazing like I said, but it's still interesting and worthwhile enough to give a view, and Plummer stands out rather well as always.
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For all its late-in-the-game silliness, The Exception is a solidly acted, well-told tale about how love of country holds up in the face of other, less nationalistic passions.
For Plummer’s plum of a performance alone, you might want to make an exception for The Exception.
The Exception is a diverting and occasionally exciting film, though it is rarely disturbing or thought-provoking in ways the material might require.
Whatever nuance existed in the original novel, whatever detail regarding the complicated emotional existence of actual human beings, is reduced here to not-quite-suspenseful-enough plot points and an impossible forbidden romance that makes almost no sense.
The Exception’s line is not an easy one to walk, this marriage of soapy melodrama and real-world events, and with Courtney leading the parade, it’s destined for failure.
Was this meant to be a good film or a true depiction of history? Would Christopher Plummer have taken his role if it had portrayed the real “Kaiser Bill”? Probably not. So I guess what the film was about was “exceptions,” which was a term used many times throughout the film. I enjoyed the film since it was well-directed and had many attractive and skillful actors. And I won’t ruin it for you by telling you what the exceptions are. As long as you are not bothered by seeing yet another film about the Third Reich and one that is not especially original or accurate, you will enjoy this film. It’s far better than brainless action film to many of us on a hot summer day.
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Jai Courtney plays a gym-buffed German soldier who's sent to the Netherlands to protect and spy on exiled Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). Almost immediately upon arrival, he falls for a maid (Lily James), which introduces a quandary: allegiance to his country or to his heart. Their relationship has some interesting romantic (and erotic) moments, but Plummer's showcase speeches slows the story's momentum. While there's potential for a gripping romantic drama, the interactions are too muted to do any gripping. The period elements make for an attractive look, but the subdued direction and passive pacing keep this film from being exceptional.
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As a romantic-thriller it isn't great, with the romance being forced and the thrills never really delivering, but the performances and attention to production detail are so great it may be enough to distract you. Christopher Plummer is brilliant and sympathetic as the Kaiser, and the normally bland and blah Jai Courtney is actually solid (following SUICIDE SQUAD I'm wondering if he's turned a corner in his career). As a WWII buff I may have found more to enjoy here than most, but if you prefer performances over story then I'd say this is worth a watch.
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A modestly entertaining historical drama that likely has more to do with drama than with history. The often-predictable narrative, schmaltzy presentation values and sometimes-absurd dialogue don't help matters, either. However, the once again stellar acting of Christopher Plummer and Janet McTeer keep this one from being a complete failure, delivering fine efforts in the face of what they have to work with. Still, even with such fine performances, I'd recommend waiting for the DVD on this one.
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What might have been a reasonable plot tends to be reduced to a somewhat implausible outcome. Several challenging situations are set up, then all solved in equally farfetched proportions - too often stretching the believability factor towards being laughable. Sex scenes are set up too quickly and with crude gratuitousness – leaving no time to develop into any form of believable relationships. There are good looking costumes and sets- but ultimately, it shows up as superficial gloss – without enough substance to sustain its length. Performances are OK, photography is slick, music score is good, just a pity about certain silly elements of the script. There will always be some who might like this type of thing, but many won't, and for good reason.
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Production Company
Egoli Tossell Pictures,
Ostar Productions,
Alton Road Productions,
Silver Reel,
Lotus Entertainment (I),
Film House Germany,
uFund,
Umedia,
Screen Flanders
Release Date Jun 2, 2017
Duration 1 h 47 m
Rating R
Tagline One duty. One desire. One decision.
Awards
Golden Trailer Awards
• 2 Nominations
