Life and Nothing But (1989)

As the chilly winds of November 1920 sweep across the battle-ravaged landscapes of France, Major Delaplane is left alone in his relentless quest to identify the 350,000 soldiers who lie unclaimed and forgotten. Driven by an unwavering commitment to honor, he tirelessly tries to match the descriptions of families' lost loved ones with the fallen and the wounded, repulsed by the chilling concept of "the unknown soldier." Into this somber tableau, the elegant and politically influential Parisian, Madame Irène de Courtil, intrudes, her heart heavy with the desperate search for her missing husband. Delaplane, his time stretched thin over thousands of similar pleas, brusquely offers her a mere fraction of his attention. But as their lives intertwine in the haunting dance of war's aftermath, a spark of mutual respect and admiration ignites between them, fueled by his relentless courage and unwavering resolve. A shocking revelation connects her absent husband to a local teacher, jolting Irène into making Delaplane an unexpected proposal. The steadfast Major hesitates on the precipice of decision, torn by uncertainty: Has he misunderstood his only chance at redemption, or is he on the brink of an unexpected discovery? Amidst this turmoil, 'Life and Nothing But' unfolds, a poignant tale of honor, love, and sacrifice set against the backdrop of a country scarred by war.

Life and Nothing But is a drama movie featuring Philippe Noiret.

Life and Nothing But is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.