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The Exception
2017 107 min United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany, Belgium R 18+
★6.8
War, Drama, Romance
Director: David Leveaux
🎭 Based on
«The Kaiser's Last Kiss»
byAlan Judd
Trailers
Description
Nothing is as it seems in this riveting World War 2 thriller as a wary soldier goes to investigate a mysterious German monarch at his secluded mansion, leading him into a web of deceit and a dangerous love affair with a local Jewish woman.
US Gross:
$708,973
Worldwide:
$708,973
Starring
Lily James
Actor
Jai Courtney
Actor
Christopher Plummer
Actor
Awards
2 nominations total
Key opinion
The Exception is generally received as a competent, though formulaic, wartime romance that balances political intrigue with a central love story. While the cast, particularly the veteran performers, receives high praise for their character work, the film's screenplay is often viewed as a safe and predictable take on familiar genre tropes.
| Acting | Christopher Plummer provides a standout, regal performance that adds significant gravitas and irony to the film. | |
| Acting | Jai Courtney delivers an unexpectedly nuanced and physically commanding performance that effectively anchors the emotional conflict. | |
| Screenplay | The film utilizes a standard, predictable wartime romantic structure that avoids taking major narrative risks. | |
| Production | The production design and direction create an authentic, atmospheric period setting that effectively contrasts natural beauty with the encroaching tensions of war. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Jai Courtney's range are split; while some find his portrayal of inner conflict excellent, others argue he lacks the necessary emotional depth for the role. | |
| Theme | Critics are divided on the film's overall impact: some find the blend of spy thriller and romance to be a compelling and sensual drama, while others feel the execution is too bland and lacks sufficient dramatic tension. |