Overlooked World War II Romance Films to Add to Your Watchlist

      Casey Chong offers a collection of lesser-known World War II romance films to consider for your watchlist.

      World War II has prompted numerous filmmakers to approach the topic from various angles, including the romantic aspects set against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape. Iconic films such as Casablanca, The English Patient, The Notebook, and Atonement have captured audiences with their compelling narratives and unforgettable characters. However, among these well-known World War II romance films are several lesser-known yet deserving titles that warrant attention. Here are seven underrated World War II romance movies to explore if you haven't yet.

      **Suite Française (2014)**

      Saul Dibb’s first film in seven years after The Duchess features this often-overlooked World War II romance that tells the story of star-crossed lovers Lucile, portrayed by Michelle Williams, and Bruno, a high-ranking German soldier played by Matthias Schoenaerts, set in Nazi-occupied France. Dibb not only highlights their developing romance filled with sexual tension but also allows his cast to shine, particularly Williams as the conflicted Lucile and Kristen Scott Thomas as her tyrannical mother-in-law. Suite Française boasts stunning visuals, thanks to Eduard Grau’s impressive cinematography, while the chemistry between Williams and Schoenaerts stands out as one of the film's highlights.

      **A Walk in the Clouds (1995)**

      Today, Keanu Reeves is mainly recognized for his role in John Wick, but in the ‘90s, he explored various genres. One such film is the beautifully paced World War II romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds, where Reeves plays a U.S. Army sergeant returning home from the war to reunite with his wife, portrayed by Debra Messing. However, their homecoming doesn’t go as he anticipates, leading him back to his former job selling chocolate until fate introduces him to a captivating stranger named Victoria, played by Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. Arau skillfully develops the relationship between Reeves' Paul Sutton and Gijón's Victoria. Even though Reeves may appear stiff at times, the film benefits from their undeniable chemistry and strong performances from supporting actors like Anthony Quinn and Giancarlo Giannini. The movie is also visually stunning with Emmanuel Lubezki’s soft-focused cinematography that captures the idyllic Napa Valley vineyard.

      **Yanks (1979)**

      Following his role in Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven, Richard Gere embraced his romantic side again in Yanks, which, despite being set during World War II, does not focus on the typical grim realities of war. Directed by John Schlesinger, the film takes a more leisurely approach, centering on American soldiers in a quiet Northern England town waiting for action. Among them is Sergeant Matt Dyson, played by Gere, who slowly finds himself drawn to the local young woman, Jean Moreton (Lisa Eichhorn). While Yanks is lengthy, Gere’s charming performance and the simmering chemistry with Eichhorn help maintain the film’s momentum.

      **Head in the Clouds (2004)**

      Charlize Theron’s follow-up to her Oscar-winning role in Monster, the World War II romantic drama Head in the Clouds, unfortunately, underperformed critically and financially. The narrative revolves around three characters: the carefree Gilda (Theron) who falls for a shy Irishman, Guy (Stuart Townsend), and Mia (Penelope Cruz), Gilda’s roommate. Writer-director John Duigan delves into the passionate yet turbulent relationship between Gilda and Guy, escalating tension with a complicated love triangle involving Mia. Theron’s role showcases both her alluring and sympathetic qualities, while Paul Sarossy’s cinematography beautifully portrays various historical settings, from glamorous 1930s Paris to the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

      **The Exception (2016)**

      Adapted from Alan Judd’s 2003 novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss, The Exception intertwines forbidden romance with a suspenseful espionage narrative in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II. The plot follows German captain Brandt (Jai Courtney), tasked with protecting the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer) amidst assassination threats from Allied spies. Brandt quickly develops feelings for one of the Kaiser’s maids, Mieke (Lily James), leading to a series of illicit encounters as they unexpectedly fall for one another. The film thrives on the chemistry between Courtney and James, with their love-hate dynamic intensifying as revelations unfold. Director David Leveaux adeptly transitions to his first feature film, showcasing a flair for incorporating diverse elements.

      **Shining Through (1992)**

      Shining Through marks David Seltzer's third directorial feature, known for his work on The Omen. Based on Susan Isaacs’ 1988 novel, the story follows a secretary (Melanie Griffith) who risks her life going undercover as a German cook for a Nazi officer to gather crucial intelligence. The film