The 1940’s saw a plethora of war-time espionage movies
enthralling audiences. Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Foreign Correspondent’ and
‘Lifeboat’ being two examples. Drawing on human conditions of trust and
innuendo, those films played on viewer’s fears of ‘war spies on every
corner’. Whilst not as well-crafted as Hitchcock’s films, ‘Allied’ carves
its own niche. Using a romantic angle to present a tale, the spectre of
suspicion casts doubt on a couple’s strong bond.
While working for Canadian Intelligence in North Africa in
1942, officer Max (Brad Pitt) meets French resistance fighter Marianne (Marion Cotillard). Falling in love, getting married and having a child, their
union seems strong. Their idyll is shattered when agents suggest to Max
his wife may be a double agent. Ordered to kill his bride or face the
firing squad, Max is put into an awkward situation. Convinced she is
being framed, Max goes to extreme lengths to protect his wife.
‘Allied’ is an old-fashioned Hollywood film. That
isn’t a bad thing considering how quickly paced films are these days.
‘Allied’ takes time to develop Max and Marianne’s romance and allows the story
to fully ‘breathe’. Whilst moments are slow, overall ‘Allied’ asks
viewers to fully invest in its characters and story. This is done well
due to Robert Zemeckis’ strong direction which never once falters in its quest
to craft a glamorous romantic thriller.
Zemeckis clearly strives for a 1940’s feel in atmosphere and
visuals. The cinematography and music score are suitably lush and vibrant
with both successfully conjuring World War 2’s constant danger and
mystery. Pitt and Cotillard project the right amount of chemistry to make
for a believable couple. You are never sure where the story will go but
can easily follow the journey via their stoic performances.
‘Allied’ should appeal to those tired of endless fast and
furiously moving films. It’s a rarely made classic old-style movie
providing an oasis in a sea of commercial block-busters. It isn’t always
perfect but is a solid small-time epic sure to please lovers of classic-like
cinema.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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