This year has seen the release of four French films that examine the period of World War II when Nazi Germany occupied France, each taking a different approach to the subject. The films are Les Rayons et les ombres, La Bataille de Gaulle (parts 1 and 2), Notre salut, and Moulin. They explore the complex history of the Occupation and how it connects to today's political climate, particularly the rise of far-right ideologies. Discussions have also focused on how current political figures, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and commentator Eric Zemmour, view historical figures like Philippe Pétain, a French leader who collaborated with Nazi Germany. These modern attitudes have sparked renewed interest in the events of the Occupation. Each film offers a unique perspective on the era. Notre salut, directed by Emmanuel Marre, focuses on the everyday experiences of people during the Occupation, drawing parallels between the political climate of the last decade and the Vichy regime, a French government that collaborated with Nazi Germany. The film aims to provide a more grounded and personal view of the time, showing how individuals coped with the challenges they faced. In contrast, Les Rayons et les ombres, directed by Giannoli, is described as a detailed and nuanced exploration of the period, using imagery of light and shadow to reflect the moral complexity of the time. It offers a more artistic and symbolic portrayal of the characters and events. La Bataille de Gaulle, directed by Baudry, is part of a broader effort to celebrate French heritage and national identity through historical storytelling. It highlights key moments in French resistance to the Occupation, focusing on the leadership of Charles de Gaulle, a French general and political leader who opposed the Nazi regime. Meanwhile, Moulin, directed by Nemes, centers on the conflict between Nazi Germany and the French Resistance, specifically focusing on the figures of Jean Moulin, a key resistance leader, and Klaus Barbie, a notorious Gestapo officer. The film presents a stark contrast between good and evil, with the Occupation serving as a backdrop for a dramatic portrayal of resistance and sacrifice. The different cinematic approaches to the Occupation are also compared to other French films, such as L'Armée des ombres and M. Klein, which similarly use abstract and symbolic methods to convey the mood of the time. While Notre salut is seen as more realistic and focused on daily life, Moulin plunges into the darkness of the era, depicting it as an unending night. These varied interpretations highlight the different ways directors choose to represent a difficult and complex period in French history.