7 Overlooked Romance Films Set in World War II

      Casey Chong shares a list of lesser-known World War II romance films to consider for your viewing.

      World War II has motivated numerous filmmakers to approach the topic from various angles, including the romantic aspects set against the backdrop of a war-ravaged country. Prominent films such as Casablanca, The English Patient, The Notebook, and Atonement have captured audiences with their engaging plots and unforgettable characters. However, in addition to these well-known titles, there are several lesser-known yet equally compelling films that merit attention. Here are seven underrated World War II romance movies that are worth watching if you haven't yet seen them.

      **Suite Française (2014)**

      In Saul Dibb’s first film in seven years since The Duchess featuring Keira Knightley, this relatively obscure World War II romance tells the tale of star-crossed lovers Lucile, portrayed by Michelle Williams, and Bruno, a high-ranking German officer played by Matthias Schoenaerts, set in Nazi-occupied France. Dibb not only emphasizes their budding romance filled with sexual tension but also allows his cast to shine, especially Williams as the conflicted Lucile, and Kristen Scott Thomas as the cold, tyrannical mother-in-law. Suite Française is beautifully filmed, thanks to Eduard Grau’s stunning cinematography, and the chemistry between Williams and Schoenaerts stands out as a highlight of the film.

      **A Walk in the Clouds (1995)**

      While today Keanu Reeves is largely recognized for his iconic role in John Wick, in the ‘90s, he explored a variety of genres, including the gracefully crafted World War II romantic drama, A Walk in the Clouds. Reeves stars as a U.S. Army sergeant returning home from the war to reunite with his wife (Debra Messing), but the reunion brings unexpected challenges, leading him back to his previous job selling chocolates, until fate intervenes when he meets a captivating stranger named Victoria (Aitana Sánchez-Gijón).

      Arau carefully develops the relationship between Reeves’ Paul Sutton and Gijón’s Victoria. Although Reeves shows some stiffness in certain scenes, A Walk in the Clouds benefits from their delightful chemistry and strong supporting performances from Anthony Quinn and Giancarlo Giannini as Victoria's grandfather and father. The film is also visually stunning, with Emmanuel Lubezki’s soft-focus cinematography beautifully capturing the lush Napa Valley vineyard.

      **Yanks (1979)**

      Following his role in Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven, a young Richard Gere continued to embrace romantic roles in Yanks, a film set during the World War II era. Directed by John Schlesinger, the movie takes a different approach, focusing on American soldiers in a quiet Northern England town rather than depicting the usual grim realities of war. One of the soldiers, Sergeant Matt Dyson (Gere), gradually falls for a local British woman, Jean Moreton (Lisa Eichhorn). Though lengthy, Yanks is elevated by Gere’s charming performance and the simmering chemistry between him and Eichhorn.

      **Head in the Clouds (2004)**

      Charlize Theron, fresh off her Oscar win for Monster, stars in the World War II romantic drama Head in the Clouds, which unfortunately underperformed critically and commercially. The story revolves around three characters: the carefree Gilda (Theron), who becomes enamored with a shy Irishman, Guy (Stuart Townsend), and Mia (Penelope Cruz), Gilda’s roommate.

      Writer-director John Duigan examines the passionate yet tumultuous relationship between Gilda and Guy before introducing a complex love triangle that includes Mia. Theron's role highlights her alluring yet sympathetic sides, while Paul Sarossy's exquisite cinematography captures the various time periods, from opulent 1930s Paris to the Spanish Civil War and WWII.

      **The Exception (2016)**

      Adapted from Alan Judd’s 2003 novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss, The Exception blends forbidden romance with a suspenseful espionage narrative set in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II. The film follows German captain Brandt (Jai Courtney), tasked with protecting the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer) from potential assassination attempts by an Allied spy. Brandt is drawn to one of the Kaiser's maids, Mieke (Lily James), leading to a series of secret encounters as their attraction grows.

      The film thrives on the love-hate chemistry between Courtney and James, with their romance creating tension once secrets are uncovered. David Leveaux’s directorial debut transitions smoothly to the big screen, showcasing his ability to blend various elements adeptly.

      **Shining Through (1992)**

      Shining Through marks David Seltzer’s third directorial effort, following his screenwriting success with The Omen. Based on Susan Isaacs’ 1988 novel, the film tells the story of a secretary (Melanie Griffith) who bravely goes undercover as a German cook for a Nazi officer to gather crucial