A new French biopic about Charles de Gaulle has emerged as an unexpected summer success, particularly among younger audiences, drawing millions to theaters and rekindling interest in the wartime leader’s legacy. The two-part film series, adapted from the 2018 biography *A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle* by historian Julian Jackson, details de Gaulle’s role during World War II, highlighting his resistance against Nazi occupation and the Vichy regime.

The first installment, titled *L’Âge de fer* (Iron Age), premiered in June and tracks de Gaulle’s journey to London in 1940, where he established the Free French Forces. It showcases key moments such as the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where 3,700 Free French troops held off a much larger Nazi force under Erwin Rommel, enabling the British Eighth Army to retreat. The second film, *J’écris ton nom* (I Write Your Name), is set for release on September 19 and covers events through to the liberation of France in 1944.

Directed by Antonin Baudry, a former diplomat and ministerial adviser, the films feature Simon Abkarian as de Gaulle and British actor Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill. With a combined budget of approximately $110 million, each film runs nearly three hours, positioning them as ambitious historical epics within French cinema.

Initially, the films struggled at the box office, but a targeted campaign by distributor Pathé helped turn the tide. The company collaborated with social media influencers, including YouTuber and Instagram personality Inoxtag, to host watch parties and engage younger viewers. Local authorities also provided free tickets to students, boosting attendance and word-of-mouth interest.

French historian Alya Aglan, a professor at Panthéon-Sorbonne University and co-author of *De Gaulle, France and the World*, attributes the film’s appeal to its portrayal of de Gaulle as a flawed yet steadfast figure of resistance. Aglan noted that the depiction resonates strongly amid France’s current political climate, characterized by deep divisions and a looming presidential election. She suggested that de Gaulle’s example offers hope and a symbol of resilience as voters confront stark choices between the far right and far left.

Historian Henry Rousso described the biopic as a rare historical epic in French cinema, emphasizing de Gaulle’s enduring significance as a unique and exceptional figure in French history. However, not all critics were positive. Arnaud Teyssier, also a historian and de Gaulle biographer, criticized the film as overly simplistic and inadequate in capturing the complexity of its subject, calling it more akin to a “comic strip” despite its high production values and respected source material.

Nathalie Cieutat, deputy director general of distribution at Pathé Films, confirmed that the theme of resistance has been central to the film’s popularity among younger audiences. As France prepares for what could be one of its most contentious elections in recent memory, the renewed interest in de Gaulle’s story highlights the continuing relevance of historical narratives in contemporary political discourse.