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Review

The extraordinary bravery of Resistance fighters during World War II would be a great subject for almost any movie. The daily heroism and near-death adventures of the survivors, the sacrifice of those killed, would be testament to all who served. Charlotte Gray, heroine of this adaptation of Sebastian Faulks' novel, displays such courage. But unfortunately, the film that honors her -- and in essence all the women who risked their lives -- is slow moving, clichéd, and lacking in lyricism or intrigue. Not that this should be needlessly romanticized, but it should be at least interesting. Blanchett tries her best as Charlotte, a Scotswoman who joins Britain's Special Operations corps as a spy after her RAF boyfriend is shot down over France. She parachutes into occupied territory, participating in raids and acts of sabotage against Vichy and the Nazis. She also falls for the group's leader (Crudup). Charlotte is a heroic figure, but the film doesn't allow her much heroics; instead she is trapped in a predictable romance, and her guerrilla fighting becomes an afterthought. Not a good place to go for a story about a Resistance fighter.