Diplomacy (2014 film)

Diplomacy

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2014
Founder	Volker Schlöndorff (director)
Area served	France, Germany
Products	Historical drama film

Diplomacy (known as Diplomatie in both German and French) is a 2014 historical drama co-produced by France and Germany, directed by Volker Schlöndorff. The movie is an adaptation of Cyril Gély's 2011 theatrical work Diplomatie. Set against the backdrop of Paris in 1944, the narrative focuses on the Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling's mission to dissuade German General Dietrich von Choltitz from executing orders to obliterate the city. The film had its debut at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival on 12 February 2014 and was also featured at the Telluride Film Festival in August of the same year. It earned the César Award for Best Adaptation during the 40th César Awards ceremony.

Plot

As Allied troops advance toward Paris, Adolf Hitler commands General Dietrich von Choltitz to raze the city. In response, Choltitz sends demolition squads under Lieutenant Hegger's leadership, with guidance from M. Lanvin, a Parisian engineer taken prisoner, to target iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Les Invalides.

Raoul Nordling, Sweden’s consul, gains secret access to Choltitz's quarters at the Hotel Meurice through a concealed staircase. He cautions about the inevitable civilian deaths if destruction continues and pleads for mercy. Nonetheless, Choltitz remains steadfast in following his directives.

Meanwhile, Parisians rise up against German forces amidst urban combat. Choltitz discloses that under Nazi Sippenhaft policy, families of insubordinate officers face punishment; he himself is under pressure due to his recent promotion. Nordling proposes assisting in evacuating Choltitz’s family and appeals to his sense of legacy by suggesting that sparing Paris would immortalize him as a hero. Eventually, Choltitz calls off the planned devastation. Though Lieutenant Hegger attempts to carry out the demolition orders, Lanvin intervenes to prevent further damage.

Following World War II, Choltitz serves a two-year imprisonment sentence related to his role in the Siege of Sevastopol. Nordling is awarded a medal for his diplomatic efforts but chooses to present it to Choltitz in recognition of his courageous decision.

Cast

• André Dussollier portrays Raoul Nordling
• Niels Arestrup plays General von Choltitz
• Burghart Klaußner appears as Hauptmann Werner Ebernach
• Robert Stadlober acts as Leutnant Ernst von Bressensdorf
• Charlie Nelson features as the concierge
• Jean-Marc Roulot takes on Jacques Lanvin
• Stefan Wilkening plays Unteroffizier Mayer
• Thomas Arnold is cast as Leutnant Hegger

Critical reception

The movie was met with widespread critical praise. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 93% approval rating based on 45 critic reviews, with an average score of 7.4 out of 10. The general consensus emphasizes its deep character portrayals and compelling acting rather than focusing solely on the storyline.

Brenda Benthien from kinocritics.com lauded it as a "theatrical tour-de-force" and described it as "a heartfelt tribute to Schlöndorff’s cherished Paris."