The Guardians (2017)

In the heartrending throes of World War I, the serene yet unbowed Paridier farm becomes the stage for a poignant tale of love, loss, and unyielding resilience. The men of the family are dispatched to the front lines, leaving the women to grapple with the burdensome farm chores under the sagacious guidance of the family matriarch, Hortense (Nathalie Baye). Alongside her steadfast daughter Solange (Laura Smet), Hortense must navigate a world that has changed dramatically since the departure of her sons. In the face of the escalating workload, Hortense makes a reluctant but necessary decision to bring in Francine (Iris Bry), a gritty teenage orphan with an unexpected flair for farm life. Their trio, a blend of blood and circumstance, forms a formidable alliance, turning to modern tools to conquer the land and slowly discovering a newfound sense of independence. Emotions, however, are not as easily managed as crops. The intermittent homecomings of the men from the front lines stir the still waters of their lives, tingeing their triumphs with complex feelings. Among these is the burgeoning love between the returned Georges and the recently hired Francine, a romance that adds another layer of intricacy to their already tangled existence. Acclaimed filmmaker Xavier Beauvois crafts this compelling narrative, juxtaposing the untouched beauty of the French countryside against the turmoil of the Great War. The film immerses the audience in a tableau vivant, where painterly images bathed in natural light serve as the backdrop to the intricate drama that unfolds. The Guardians (2017) is thus an exploration of human spirit and fortitude, a testament to the strength of women during one of history's most testing times.

The Guardians is a drama movie featuring Nathalie Baye and directed by Xavier Beauvois.

The Guardians is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Hoopla.

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