#388: BERRI, Claude: The Two Of Us (1967)

BERRI, Claude (France)
The Two Of Us [1967]
Spine #388
DVD
OOP


A Jewish boy living in Nazi-occupied Paris is sent by his parents to the countryside to live with an elderly Catholic couple until France's liberation. Forced to hide his identity, the eight-year-old, Claude (played delicately by first-time actor Alain Cohen), bonds with the irascible, stanchly anti-Semitic Grampa (Michel Simon), who improbably becomes his friend and confidant. Poignant and lighthearted, The Two of Us was acclaimed director Claude Berri's debut feature, based on his own childhood experiences, and gave the legendary Simon one of his most memorable roles in the twilight of his career.

87 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in French
1:66:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2007
Director/Writers


Screenplay by Claude Berri, Gérard Brach with the collaboration of Michel Rivelin.
Berri was 33 when he directed The Two of Us.

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-two page booklet featuring essays by David Sterritt, François Truffaut and Berri.

Commentary

None.

Le poulet (1962)

Director Berri’s Oscar-winning short film.

Video interviews

With Berri and actor Cohen.

Interviews

From 1967 with Berri and Simon.

Excerpt

From The Jewish Children of Occupied France, a 1975 French talk-show segment featuring Berri and the woman who helped secure his family’s safety during World War II.

Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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