7 Overlooked Romance Films from World War II to Add to Your Viewing List

      Casey Chong shares a list of overlooked World War II romance films to consider for your watchlist.

      World War II has served as a source of inspiration for many filmmakers, prompting them to examine the topic from various angles, including romantic narratives set against the chaos of war. Well-known films such as Casablanca, The English Patient, The Notebook, and Atonement have captivated audiences with their compelling plots and unforgettable characters. However, nestled among these popular World War II romance films are several lesser-known gems that warrant attention. Here are seven underrated World War II romance movies that are definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen them yet.

      **Suite Française (2014)**

      In Saul Dibb’s first film in seven years since The Duchess, which starred Keira Knightley, this often-overlooked World War II romance tells the story of star-crossed lovers Lucile (played by Michelle Williams) and Bruno, a high-ranking German officer portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts, set in Nazi-occupied France. Dibb not only emphasizes their budding romance filled with sexual tension but also allows his cast, particularly Williams as the conflicted Lucile and Kristen Scott Thomas as the tyrannical mother-in-law, to shine. Suite Française features stunning cinematography by Eduard Grau, and the chemistry between Williams and Schoenaerts is one of the film's standout aspects.

      **A Walk in the Clouds (1995)**

      Today, Keanu Reeves is primarily recognized for his iconic role in John Wick, but during the ‘90s, he ventured into 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 war to reunite with his wife (Debra Messing). However, the reunion is not what he anticipated, leading him back to his previous job selling chocolate, until fate intervenes and he encounters a beautiful stranger named Victoria (the captivating Aitana Sánchez-Gijón). Director Alfonso Arau carefully develops the relationship between Reeves’ character Paul Sutton and Gijón’s Victoria. While Reeves' performance may occasionally come off as stiff, the film thrives on their exquisite chemistry, supported by strong performances from Anthony Quinn and Giancarlo Giannini as Victoria’s grandfather and father. The film is visually stunning, thanks to Emmanuel Lubezki’s soft-focused cinematography capturing the lush Napa Valley vineyard setting.

      **Yanks (1979)**

      After starring in Terrence Malick’s Days of Heaven, a young Richard Gere explored his romantic side in Yanks, a film set during the World War II era. Directed by John Schlesinger, known for Marathon Man, the film does not take the typical grim approach to war; instead, it tells the story of American soldiers in a quiet Northern England town awaiting action. One of the soldiers, Sergeant Matt Dyson (Richard Gere), falls in love with local British woman Jean Moreton (Lisa Eichhorn). While Yanks may be lengthy, Gere's charming performance in one of his earlier roles, combined with his palpable chemistry with the lovely Lisa Eichhorn, enhances the film.

      **Head in the Clouds (2004)**

      Following her Oscar win for Monster, Charlize Theron’s next film, the World War II romantic drama Head in the Clouds, unfortunately, received poor critical and financial responses. The story revolves around three characters: carefree Gilda (Charlize Theron), who falls for a shy Irishman named Guy (Stuart Townsend), and Mia (Penelope Cruz), Gilda’s roommate. Writer-director John Duigan delves into the tumultuous yet passionate relationship between Gilda and Guy, while also introducing a complicated love triangle involving Mia. Theron’s carefree portrayal stands out, showcasing both her alluring and sympathetic sides, while Paul Sarossy’s beautiful cinematography captures various settings from the lavish 1930s Paris to the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

      **The Exception (2016)**

      Based on Alan Judd’s 2003 novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss, The Exception intertwines forbidden romance and espionage intrigue set in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II. The story follows German captain Brandt (Jai Courtney), tasked with protecting exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II (the remarkable Christopher Plummer) against possible assassination attempts by an Allied spy. Brandt quickly feels drawn to one of Kaiser’s maids, Mieke (Lily James), sparking a series of illicit encounters as their feelings for each other grow. The film shines thanks to the love-hate chemistry between Courtney and James, and how their romance creates tension once the truth comes to light. David Leveaux transitions adeptly into his first feature film with The Exception, demonstrating his skill in blending various elements stylishly.

      **Shining Through (1992)**

      Shining Through marks the third directorial effort of David Seltzer, renowned for his screenplay in The Omen. Adapted from