Arch of Triumph

Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Paris, the movie Arch of Triumph, released in 1985, is a moving romantic drama starring the acclaimed actor Anthony Hopkins and the stunning Lesley-Anne Down. The screenplay, directed by Waris Hussein, is adapted from the 1945 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, the author of 'All Quiet on the Western Front’.

In this heart-wrenching film, Anthony Hopkins plays Dr. Ravic, a German surgeon displaced by the growing Nazi threat. Despite facing his own personal demons, Ravic manages to begin practicing medicine illegally in Paris with the help of sympathetic underworld connections. Hopkins’s portrayal of the hardened yet secretly compassionate Ravic is a testament to his acting versatility. As the film progresses, it is clear that the war outside is not the only battle Ravic is fighting. He is continuously haunted by the tragic past in his haunting dreams, the loss of the love of his life, and the image of a sadistic Nazi officer against whom he is seeking revenge.

Enter the enchanting Lesley-Anne Down as Joan Madou, an exceedingly beautiful, but hopelessly lost woman. She embodies the character of Joan with convincing vulnerability and charm. Neglected by her chivalrous yet insincere boyfriend Alex (played by Donald Pleasence), she finds solace in the companionable presence of Ravic. Despite being initially indifferent, Ravic is gradually drawn towards Joan, culminating in a complex and intense love affair between them. The burgeoning romance provides the only flicker of light in a world shrouded in despair and chaos.

The chemistry between Hopkins and Down keeps the viewers engrossed in the subtlety of their relationship's evolution - while it is filled with passion, it is equally wrought with the pain of reality. Down’s portrayal of Joan is delicately beautiful and sad – capturing the essence of a woman trapped in the grip of her own naivety and despair in a world on the brink of chaos. Hopkins, on the other hand, captivates with his portrayal of a man bearing the scars of a lost love and haunted by the specter of impending war. Unable to ignore the dark political climate surrounding them, both characters, in their own ways, are victims of the times they live in.

The supporting cast, including Donald Pleasence and Frank Finlay, add depth to the narrative with their stellar performances. Pleasence, as the flighty boyfriend, captures the complexity of a man torn between his responsibilities and self-centeredness while Finlay, as Inspector Haake, steadily pursues the deceptive Ravic, adding a lacing of suspense throughout the film.

The director, Waris Hussein, masterfully builds tension, heightening the sense of oppressive atmosphere and uncertainty reflecting the looming specter of war. Coupled with skillfully captured scenes of 1930s Paris, the movie is as visually compelling as it is narratively engrossing. The camerawork adds depth to the Victorian landscape, enhancing the movie's grim looks.

The movie Arch of Triumph is a poignant tale of resilience, love, and redemption, made more compelling by the backdrop of a city teetering on the brink of ruin. With strong performances from the lead and supporting actors, a compelling narrative, and masterful direction, this film is a testament to the human spirit's unyielding resilience, even in the face of imminent destruction.