Arch of Triumph

Synopsis

Arch of Triumph, released in 1984 and starring Anthony Hopkins, is a romantic drama set in 1939 Paris, on the eve of the Second World War. The story follows Ravic, a German refugee and surgeon who is without proper papers and struggling to survive in the tense atmosphere of pre-war France. Amidst the looming threat of war, Ravic becomes entwined in a passionate but complicated romance. The film explores themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of political unrest and personal hardship. Through his journey, Ravic confronts the perilous reality of being stateless while clinging to hope and human connections in a city on the brink of chaos.

Cast

• 

  Anthony Hopkins

  Dr. Ravic

• 

  Lesley-Anne Down

  Joan Madou

• 

  Donald Pleasence

  Ivon Haake

• 

  Frank Finlay

  Col. Boris Morosov

• 

  Richard Pasco

  Dr. Veber

• Joyce Blair

  Rolande

Reviews

Arch of Triumph received mixed reviews upon its release, reflecting both appreciation for its atmospheric portrayal of pre-war Paris and criticism for pacing and storytelling. IMDb users rate the film 5.5/10, indicating a middling reception among general audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, while there is insufficient data for a Tomatometer score, user reviews often highlight Anthony Hopkins' compelling performance but note the film's slow narrative progression. Critics praised the film's evocation of mood and period detail but pointed out that the screenplay lacks cohesion at times. Reviewers from publications such as TV Guide acknowledged the film's ambitious attempt to adapt Erich Maria Remarque’s novel but felt it fell short of fully capturing the novel's depth, remarking that it "sometimes struggles to maintain narrative focus." Others appreciated the emotional weight Hopkins brought to his role, describing his portrayal as "nuanced and compelling." Overall, Arch of Triumph stands as a historically rich drama that may appeal more to fans of classic wartime romances and character-driven stories, despite its uneven execution.

See also

The Shawshank Redemption

Joker

Avengers: Endgame

Titanic