User Reviews

OK, it's not a superb film but, all the same, it is a decent depiction of the extermination of the Jews in Paris. The acting is very good, both by Jean Reno and Melanie Laurent as well. Even the child actors give good performances in general. There is nothing special or surprising regarding the plot, and most of the themes have already been presented effectively in other films, but this fact does not make the film bad in any way. The film manages to hold the tension and it succeeds in being moving at the same time. All in all, I watched this movie with undiminished interest from the beginning till the end and I think it deserves a higher rating than 5.6/10, as well as your attention

In the summer of 1942 more than 12,000 French Jews were delivered to the Nazi. They were locked at the Vélodrome d'Hiver for several days without food or water or sanitation.

It was up to Red Cross nurses, like Annette Monod (Mélanie Laurent), and Dr. Sheinbaum (Jean Reno) to care for the prisoners and mitigate their suffering.

La Rafle is not a film about the deportation of Jews and the horror of the concentration camps with Hitler's Final Solution. This film is powerful testimony to the denaturalization of French Jews, the appalling conditions of the Vel d'Hiv, the lack of resistance of the French police as well as the existence of the French camps.

The Roundup is a must see movie even beyond its historical mission. The interpretation of the actors is excellent. Its quiet difficult to remain indifferent in front such a tragedy, a tragedy so unfair for these innocent people. French they were, but apparently not enough for the French police, with the Vichy regime headed by a man, Philippe Petain, which is known today to have done nothing to protect Jews. Quite the contrary by the way. With his henchmen, they have not mounted the raid in order to meet German demands, but to give pledges to antisemites of all stripes who supported this worthy scheme. I recommend these movie.

On 06 June 1942, the government of Vichy makes a deal with the Nazis and delivers thousands of Jewish families to be sent to the concentration Camp of Beaune-La-Rolande, Loiret and then to the crematories.

"La Rafle" is another touching and heartbreaking film that shows the fate of some Jewish families that are removed by force from their homes to the final destination of a crematory. The cruelty of the fate of the Jewish in occupied Europe in the 40's is composed of millions of tragic stories; therefore films about this theme are always extremely sad and usually well-produced, shaking with the emotions of any sensitive viewer.

This new approach of the Holocaust, based on what happened in France under the complacence of the French politicians and authorities, is very sad since it shows the destiny of thousand of children that are first separated from their mothers and then send to death. It is cruel but never comparable to the "Sophia's Choice", for me the most depressive film about mother and children relationship ever made. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Amor e Ódio" ("Love and Hate")

I learned about an important part of Holocaust history by watching this historical fiction film about real people. Worth watching

Once in a while, pictures like this one make you understand and see things you don't want or did not want to see : here's a example of why cinema is so important. A forgotten drama in France 1942 that you can read in books of history but not actually see. Like the Schindler's list, La Rafle is a touching art of work and the fact that the kids are taking a big place in the movie give the all thing a unforgettable moment of emotions... and cinema. Cannot say more : you have to watch this movie to be sure you have the right image of what what France was in that period of time. Especially because the director show that french people, unlike their police, behave in a very human way (helping families and children). Great movie !

I loved this film that I consider as a great achievement on a difficult topic : the deportation of men, women and children in death camps. The actors are well directed (and what about children who are super touching!) and i have recognized Jean reno (from the "Big blue" ans Leon movies). That film is poignant, unforgettable, very well done by a woman, Rose Bosh (is she french ?), who has already written the script for Ridley Scott, 1492. A Reference. I recommend this movie at all both for its educational aspect, historic for its great evocative power. Because it is something that unfortunately is universal, it forces all consciences to think and be revolted. Long live the cinema when it allows reflection, and moved much better than a book to remember all those people who have suffered from tyranny and hate.

The Jewish people faced many dark moments in its long and troubled history. What happened in the night of July 16, 1942 in Paris - the arrest of more than ten thousand Jews, men and women, young, old and children, their detention at the Velodrome d'Hiver, followed by their deportation to transit camps in France and then to the death camps in Poland - was one of these dark moments. It is for the French nation however that I dare say this was maybe the darkest moment in their history. Never has France - or at least modern France - abandoned the principles of tolerance and generosity to the weak and prosecuted who knocked at its gates as did that night Petain, Laval and the other collaborationists who were accomplices to the sending to hell and death of so many innocent people.

I have used a few film reviews back the term of 'docu-melodrama' and I guess that I can use it here as well, adding maybe the adjective 'historical' in front. 'La Raffle' ambitiously retraces the story of a few Jewish families of all conditions living in Paris at the time of the German occupation in 1942 and falling victim to the deeds of the German occupiers and of their French collaborators. Although the characters may be fictional the stories are essentially true, and the film starts with a written message attesting the historic accuracy of all the extreme situations that are being described. The fiction parts are interleaved with a few documentary sequences, as well as with re-enacted scenes from the headquarters of the German army and French police, of the discussions between the French leader Petain and prime minister Laval, and between Hitler himself, his faithful executioner Himmler and other people in his entourage. The script written by Rose Bosch (who also directed) takes good care to balance the acts of the 'bad' and 'good' French but the horror of the situation of the descent of a whole people from trust and hope into fear and despair is the strong message that cannot get lost.

There is great acting to be admired in this film - first of all Jean Reno as the Jewish physician trying to face an impossible situation, alleviate sufferings, save lives, while knowing about his own faith. Melanie Laurent is sensible and credible in the role of the nurse that aims to represent what was left good and human among the French in those times. Some of the supporting roles are also memorable such as the Trotskyst family father played by Gad Elmaleh, a victim of a double disillusion. I liked less the historic background scenes, especially the ones related to Hitler's environment, and the actor playing Hitler who was badly miscast and directed, undecided whether he should be evil or operetta-ic. Overall the film has however very strong scenes, some of the best in the Holocaust movies and asks the right questions about the French role in the tragedy of its Jews. Is this melodrama? yes - but very strong and well made, impressing to tears and nothing is wrong with this - there are no bad genres, just bad movies and La Raffle is certainly not among them.

The theme is far to be new. In strange way, this is its basic virtue. Because, starting from an event of the year 1943 , in Paris, it gives , in brilliant manner, the portrait of a profound tragedy, in right and precise manner. It represents one of most inspired films about Shoah. For performances of children, for the cinematography, for the script who gives different angles of tragedy, for the feeling of viewer to remind the weakness of human nature. A great film. Useful in deep sense. For remind. And for define the essence of the way to discover the other as only object.

This is in the middle of a fairly mixed bunch of war films in circulation at the moment, not as good as the other French war movie 'Female Agents' but a whole lot better than the 'Spoils of War'.

The fine acting of Jean Reno and Gad Ladleh (who played such a great role in Priceless and The Valet). they were of course comedy films and this was an unusual serious role for him.

I have no idea if all the events depicted in the movie actually happened but I value the fact that the film entertained me and there was nothing offensive in it despite the sensitivity of the subject. Yes the topic has been done a hundred times before in other movies but this film works for sure and don't be put off by the fact that its another 'jews and holocaust' movie or that it is again in French language with sub-titles.

A really good movie which is definitely worth a watch. I don't give it a lot of points but that doesn't mean it is a bad movies, as others have commented.

La Rafle – The Round Up – CATCH IT (B+) French holocaust movie about Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris during World War II. The La Rafle is a true story about few weeks in July 1942, when more than 13,000 Parisian Jews, including more than 4000 children, were rounded up and taken to the now notorious Vel' d'Hiv stadium. All the Jews families were kept in the stadium with no food, water or proper toilets. The movie is based upon the true story of the survivals during that time, which includes the young boy "Jo Weismann" and Christian nurse "Annette Monod". La Rafle succeed in presenting the situations at the Vel' d'Hiv stadium during that time. The story of young boy Jo and his neighbors are heart wrenching. I must say that the young star Romain Di Concerto as Nono is the cutest kid in the world. All of his scenes will simply brings tears into your eyes. There is no word to describe the innocence this character brings on screen. Melanie Laurent as Annette Mondo is great, she brings the charm into her character and shows how brilliantly she can be transformed into any character provided. Raphaëlle Agogué as Jo Weismann's mother is stunning. Hugo Leverdez, Jean Reno & Denis Menochet did a fine job. La Rafle depicted the situation in French during World War II perfectly but I do find the scenes showing Hitler or French govt. taking care of the matters inconsistent or you can incoherent with the movie. I think the movie would have been better without it. Overall, La Rafle is a very effective movie about the past human accuracy in the world.

I would characterize this movie as a French Schindler's List. it corrects the record on a disgraceful series of events that took place in occupied France in 1942, leading to the murder of13,000 Jews. It is well balanced, interesting, but also highly emotional. The acting is superb, as is the direction and cinematography. In particular, the child actors did a wonderful job. People could be heard crying in the theater throughout the film.

I had some problems with the ending, but won't go further as I do not want to reveal too much.

I recommend this movie.

This movie has all I want in a film, it is informing and holds the attention. I am a great admirer of Jean Reno and he comes over here as good as ever. The acting in general was excellent and the child actors were superb with such a difficult storyline. The music fitted well to the story and allowed the feel of the movie to shine through. In all a great film which stirs the blood and makes one feel ashamed to be human. It is important to remember what happened and why we should never let it happen again, however it seems that it happens now and we do nothing about it. Long live the French film school, with a tear in my eye I end this review and think again of the many who died without a cause.

I bought this film because it was a cheap DVD and it sat on my shelf for sometime until one night with nothing else to watch I selected it and spent the next couple of hours transfixed by this amazing tale of just about every human emotion. The film shows how prejudices come out during such times as previous neighbours turn on those they have lived with for years. Sadly nothing has changed as we have seen in more recent conflicts. Also France itself is still very ant-immigrant in it's attitude, in fact against anything that isn't French. Udo Schenk perfectly captures Hitler with his conflicting personalities, loving children at the same time exterminating others just because they are Jewish. Hugo Leverdez as Jo Weismann will melt even the hardest heart and this brilliantly shows just how heartless those involved must have been. Jean Reno is excellent as the Jewish doctor who worked amongst the prisoners doing whatever he could. Melanie Laurent is also brilliant as the nurse who slowly comes to realise the full extent of what is actually going on! As others have said all the actors who portrayed children were really good. This film should have won Oscars but sadly did not. I believe it is much better than Schindlers List as it does not really on graphic depictions of violence (although there is some) it rather shows the horror through the eyes of those involved. If you have the DVD watch the making of to be moved yet again.

Given that we can expect the usual offering of holocaust films year after year this one has to be one of the worst. The far superior Sarah's Key released recently covers the same ground in a far more interesting way with at least some respite from what was happening in France during the second world war through by the very clever use of flashbacks to allow the viewer the opportunity of leaving the cinema without being in a state of severe depression. There was no character development and the heavy handed direction left no opportunity to escape the very dark and grim storyline. Sure, these events may have really happened but by now after countless films depicting the horrors of the holocaust this one does nothing more than wallow in the misery of the victims. The over sentimental soundtrack also adds to the darkness of a film that I for one wish I had not spent my money on. Upon leaving the cinema I noticed a sign offering money back if you leave before 30 minutes into the film if you are not enjoying it. I so wish I had noticed this beforehand as I would have taken up the offer.

Here is a film extremely dense, deep, moving that allows us to look on a dark period of war. the action takes place in France, Paris, where thousands of Jews were arrested by French police in the heart of summer 1942. Behind this mass arrest (men,women and children are gathered into a huge stadium in inhumane conditions), there is the direct link between the Nazi regime applying to the French Government to deport french Jews and the excess of zeal of French police who will send to death unscrupulously thousands of this people, more than asked by the Nazis themselves ! Few people will return from the death camps. This film, directed by Rose Bosh is excellent and well documented. Because a woman is behind the camera , it gives a special sensitivity to the all thing and explains the way the children for example are filmed. I agree with people who liked this film. Powerful,moving, educational.

Beautiful French, poignant, moving film. Actors play their roles very well, the action is poignant but relentless and it discovers with horror all the misfortune which was shot down on all of these families during the second world war. The action takes place in France but could takes place in Greece or Hungary where happened the same thing. The difference is that many French helped French Jews to hide and avoid this horrible mass arrest of Jews requested by the Nazis but performed, with zeal, by the French police. Sad moment in the history of France which was strangely rarely shown at the cinema. This film repair this oversight with dignity, accuracy, rendering justice to all those who have behaved with honor, and in particular those they call "the just", these men and women taking risks to help their Jewish compatriots, often at the peril of their life. in line with the "Schindler's list", this film worth seeing many times.

I was literally moved to tears by this movie which recreates the terror and death faced by the Jewish race during WWII. Melanie Laurent and Hugo Levedez are incandescent as the nurse and young boy who endure the horrors of the Vel D'Hive roundup in Paris during 1942. I was surprised that this movie did not get a higher rating on IMDb, possibly attributed to the small number who have seen it in the U.S. Of personal interest to me is the fact that I wrote a short story, "Black Thursday", on the same subject in 2011. I'm willing to make it available to anyone who wishes to read it by contacting me at: bfp13108@yahoo.com. On another personal note, I am repulsed by the racist, ignorant and hateful remarks made by so many on the various comment boards located on the internet. I often wonder how these people would react if they were in the same situation as Jo's family. I rarely rate a movie as 10 on IMDb, reserving it for the finest of cinema. However, I did rate this 10 based on it's artistic, dramatic, and superb representation of one of the most horrific events in the 20th century.

The problem with this film is not it's relevance to history. It's the continued narrative perpetrated by Israeli's who have already selfishly and greedily hijacked the holocaust as an on-going justification for their current foreign policy (which is criminal). However, in this film, the audience's intelligence is insulted beyond comprehension as the protagonists are almost caricatures and history is told through the eyes of saccharine viewing children. The Nazi's (of course) are blood-thirsty, removed bureaucrats, while the French jews are portrayed as harmless, benevolent, life loving people who simply love one another and may as well be angels. This narrative is told time and again, giving the viewer no reason or context with which to view the history of anti-semitism. The intelligent film-goer will feel manipulated, even though the question of good vs evil is intact. The point that is constantly airbrushed out of history is that Germany was not simply a nation of 'Nazi's'- just as Jewish people were not all Zionists's. But to please the politically correct thought police is once again the more important virtue than representing a complex and comprehensive historical event. This may as well be Batman vs (insert villain).