A Very Long Engagement (2004)

In the haunting echoes of The Battle of the Somme, five French soldiers find themselves entangled in a desperate dance with destiny. Trapped between the desire for survival and the brutality of war, they resort to injuring themselves. Some by mishap, others with deliberate intent, all in the hopes of being sent back home. Their fate, however, takes a chilling turn when they are caught and court-martialed. Punishment is severe and unmerciful; banishment to the lethal No Man's Land, left to the cold mercy of their German adversaries. In this melancholic tapestry of war and despair, the narrative weaves in the intricate threads of each soldier's life, their families, and their dreams left behind. At the heart of this poignant tale is Mathilde, the betrothed of one of these men, Manech. Stricken with polio as a child, her determination remains undeterred as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth of her lover's fate. 'A Very Long Engagement' is a testament to the unyielding human spirit and the power of love. As Mathilde delves into the labyrinth of secrets, she unearths not only the grim realities of war but also the profound depths to which the human soul can plummet and the dizzying heights it can soar. This heart-stirring film encapsulates the essence of hope, resilience, and relentless pursuit of truth, painting a vivid portrait of life's harsh trials and the enduring bonds of love that remain long after the battle has ended.

A Very Long Engagement is a drama movie featuring Audrey Tautou.

A Very Long Engagement is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy A Very Long Engagement on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.