Allied

500 Days Of Film Reviews World War Two Drama, Allied, Starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard

Intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt) teams up with French Resistance fighter, Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard), in 1942 for a deadly mission behind enemy lines in North Africa. 

Despite the danger and uncertainty of World War 2, the couple cannot deny their growing feelings for one another. However, when reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by suspicion and the extreme pressures of war. 

Allied promised much, pairing iconic director, Robert Zemeckis, with a cast featuring the likes of Brad Pitt and Marion Cottilard.

In addition, World War 2 remains an undeniably fascinating moment in history – one that has inspired many memorable classic movies. 

Sadly, Allied isn’t one of them.

Allied is a sumptuous tale of suspicion and intrigue. The movie's storytelling style and visual design evokes the classic films of the 1940s. However, beneath the surface, Allied is wholly unconvincing - lacking in tension, depth and passion.

The film suffers from pacing issues and is far too long. Meanwhile, its plot is preposterous. It is hard to take Allied seriously and actually care about any of the characters.

In addition, the locations never feel anything more than shiny sets. I knew that Allied wasn't working for me when I found myself marveling at the boot space in Brad Pitt's 1940s car.

Most damming of all, I did not believe in Marion and Max’s relationship. The couple inhabit a remarkably flat, passion-free zone. The swirling love scene in the sandstorm is just plain awkward to watch. I found myself longing for the company and chemistry of Casablanca's Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund.

This is in no way the fault of Marion Cotillard. Her charismatic performance is the film’s only saving grace. Pitt, however, is disappointing as Max. Capable of so much more, he fails to bring his character to life. 

Allied isn’t an offensively bad movie. It's just not very good. If I were you, I’d watch

Casablanca instead.

And the award for the most ridiculous card shuffling goes to… Brad Pitt (or whoever those hands actually belong to).

There is some serious scenery chewing going on during Brad Pitt’s scene with Simon McBurney’s S.O.E Officer. I'd be checking that desk for bite marks...

Allied’s trailer suggests a tighter, more intriguing movie. Not the first time a trailer has given a false and unhelpful impression…

Have you seen Allied?

If so, what did you think of Robert Zemerckis’ movie? Do let me know by leaving me a comment in the box below!