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The Exception

Name: The Exception
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Released: June 2, 2017
Duration: 107 min
Rating: 60
Cast: Anton Lesser, Aubeline Barbieux, Ben Daniels, Christopher Plummer, Jai Courtney

2017

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 15 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Ratings

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6.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Ratings

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The Exception

Movie Details & Credits

A24 | Release Date: June 2, 2017 | R

Starring: Anton Lesser, Aubeline Barbieux, Ben Daniels, Christopher Plummer, Jai Courtney, Janet McTeer, Karin Leclercq, Lily James, Loïs van Wijk, Stéphane Auberghen

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 toGerman 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 to infiltrate the Kaiser’s life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke (Lily James), one of the Kaiser’s maids whom Brandt soon discovers is secretly Jewish. When Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan), Head of the SS, decides to come for an unexpected visit with a large platoon of Nazis in tow, the stage is set for a breathtaking showdown, as secrets are revealed, allegiances are tested, and Brandt is forced to make the ultimate choice between honoring his country and following his heart. [A24]… Expand

Director: David Leveaux

Genre(s): Drama, Romance, War

Rating: R

Runtime: 107 min

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Critic Reviews

New York Magazine (Vulture) David Edelstein

Jun 1, 2017

The superb English stage director David Leveaux keeps the pacing taut while creating space for his actors to work their magic. Read full review

Paste Magazine Jacob Oller

Jun 8, 2017

The film never quite achieves the level of fevered hurry for which it aims—sometimes due to its often trite, on-the-nose dialogue and sometimes to the stilted delivery of said dialogue. Read full review

Arizona Republic Bill Goodykoontz

Jun 22, 2017

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. Read full review

Slant Magazine Christopher Gray

May 28, 2017

David Leveaux's film cannily incorporates elements of spycraft and sheer trash into a familiar formula. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Susan Wloszczyna

Jun 2, 2017

For Plummer’s plum of a performance alone, you might want to make an exception for The Exception. Read full review

A.O. Scott

Jun 1, 2017

The Exception is a diverting and occasionally exciting film, though it is rarely disturbing or thought-provoking in ways the material might require. Read full review

Austin Chronicle Kimberley Jones

Jul 5, 2017

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. Read full review

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User Reviews

LeZee

Feb 4, 2018

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 nazi Germany's invasion of Europe,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 nazi 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… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

GinaK

Jun 22, 2017

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 theWas 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.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

moviemitch96

Jul 8, 2017

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 bitA 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.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

tropicAces

Jun 23, 2017

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 theAs 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Brent_Marchant

Jun 23, 2017

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 JanetA 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.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

TVJerry

Jun 25, 2017

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 hisJai 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KenR

Oct 6, 2018

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 tooWhat 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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