SAUVER OU PERIR/ THROUGH THE FIRE

France, 2018, 116 minutes, Colour.

Pierre Niney, Anais Demoustier, Vincent Rottiers, Sami Bouajila.

Directed by Frederic Telllier.

This French drama is based on a true story – or inspired by a range of true stories.

Pierre Niney, who has made an impact in quite a number of films, plays a dedicated fireman, a family tradition, the film giving details, with a touch of documentary style, of life with the fire brigade, the men, the camaraderie, the training, the loyalty and the playing of the Marseillaise, the demands of action, the repercussions for family.

The film also focuses on the central character, Frank, his courting of his wife, Cecile, the life together, pregnancy and children.

However, the main action takes place during an intense fire, Frank, heroic, willing to give his life for the safety of his unit. He is badly burnt and wakes up in the Burns Unit in a hospital.

The rest of the film is demanding on Franck as he discovers the severe injuries to his face and body, the need for months of treatment, reconstruction, facing the realities of his future. It is demanding on his wife, at his bedside, but discussions about the demands made on her and the family, and the possibilities for their future life together. And, it is quite demanding on the audience, empathising with Frank, dismayed at the extent of his injuries, of his life being so completely altered.

There have been a number of action adventures with explorations of family situation in such fire brigade films as the American Backdraft.

1. The title? The French title and the motto for fire departments? Their mission? The English title, the emphasis on fire, on Franck and his experience?
2. The Paris settings, the brigade centre, interiors, the courtyard? The fire location? The hospital’s, recuperation? Homes, the streets and the bridges, the Carnival? The musical score? The Marselllaise?
3. The introduction, Frank and Cecile, the dancing, the music, Sh-boom, marriage, Cecile pregnant? The devoted couple?
4. Franck, his father, working for the brigade, fellow workers, Martin and his accident falling from the roof, sad and resigned? Franck, promotion, in charge?
5. The special call, the extent of the fire, the visualising of the fire, Franck and his squad, Franck going in, rescuing the men, on fire, his injuries?
6. Franck, the injuries, in hospital, the number of operations, the treatment, colour, recovery, his face masked? The months, the years? His endurance? The severity of the bones, his face? Eventually having to wear the glass protection? Eventually being released? His living in the mirror, his disfigurement? The effect on his personality, unable to go back to his work? The ceremony, his being honoured, his speech?
7. Cecile, the children, the demands on her over the years, at her husband’s side, his injuries, the effect on her, looking after the children, becoming more desperate, wondering about her love for her husband?
8. Martin, his friendship, support of Franck, Martin reinstated, Franck supporting him?
9. The release from hospital, the family gathering, his mother, the relations, his self-consciousness, the meal, having to rest?
10. The discussions with Cecile, whether she could stay with him or not, her taking the children? Franck and his decision to win her back?
11. His carer, going to the orchestra, asking for the interview, his pleading? Playing the xylophone? The concert, the invitation to Cecile, her not going to the concert?
12. Franck and his attempts to reconcile with Cecile, with the children, the gift of the xylophone, her saying they had one? His dressing as the clown, the Indian feathers for Cecile, bonding with his children?
13. Cecile and her love and support? His getting the job at reception? The future for Franck, the future for the marriage?