Films I have ever seen, the level of sensitivity and good taste that the various homoerotic subjects are dealt with is a reason alone for giving this homoerotic tear jerker a 4-star rating. I screened the film for a group of close friends and the vote was two thumbs up and and a tear drenched paper towel by all 7 guys who saw it.

........with their production and 1997 film release of American playwright, Martin Sherman's "Bent." ((1)). What we have with this French work, then, is a 'been there--done that' sort of situation, where Sherman's 'play--then movie' beats Faure and his screenwriter to the punch. Though to be perfectly honest about it, there are important differences between the two productions. Instead of watching "Bent's" 'mind-numbing' Concentration Camp repetitive work details, we are seeing the results of 'mind-grabbing' (in the literal sense) Concentration Camp experimental labs in "A Love to Hide". ((2)). While "Hide" provides an excellent history lesson for younger gays (well, anybody for that matter) and is a worthwhile effort overall, this reviewer finds it not at the same level of 'memorable-ness' as this director's earlier (2000) film work (see comments about that exciting production, below).((3)). As to "Hide's" performances, a sweet-faced Louise Monot (playing the dual roles of Sarah/Yvonne) both begins and ends this film, and she practically steals it. But.......if you're a gay films review reader and, more relevantly, if you're a gay films review writer, then commenting on actor, Jeremie Renier, becomes absolutely essential right about now. Renier---WOW, here's a guy who simply 'oozes' an aura of someone you want to, and have to be with (boyfriend, lover, partner) as soon as you see him. He has a loving spirit and lives this part, never stinting in letting us see who he loves---and he loves very expressively. Much the same can be said of his lover, effectively played by Swiss-born Bruno Todeschini. ((4)). And here's one very hard life lesson pointed out by this film, no matter whether your character name is Jean (Renier) or Max (Clive Owen)---If you're French (or German, as the case may be) and going to a local, gay dance club, don't take a spin around the floor, or otherwise consort with an officer of the military forces occupying your country. Something not so good may come your way. ((5)). (NOTE: If you don't speak/read French, the very poorly placed English subtitles are most distracting---frequently appearing over characters' mouths and faces and otherwise interfering with the action being watched. In many instances the flow of the story is badly affected by this situation.) ((6)). PS--Perhaps I'm not appreciative enough of this directorial work.......but I think I'll just stick to a warm, gay romance such as the truly great "Just a Question of Love." What's that? Oh, you're saying that it, too is a French love story, and that it was also brought to us by a little French guy named C. Faure. Interesting. ----- (In this regard, you might want to read my long-winded, 5-Star review of this little gem, located elsewhere in this site's DVD reviews; it's titled---"These 2 guys fall in love....and............").

European gays during WWII. You know where the movie is going to take you. How it gets you there where the art of film making comes in. and artful this movie is. Beautifully filmed and acted. Not the kind of movie you want to see, but the kind of movie you need to see. Watching what happens when evil is allowed a free hand can be frightening and sickening - but it forces you to stay grounded and alert.