Colonel (Mon colonel) (2006)

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A man of principle is led down a sinister path in the name of patriotism in this drama co-written by the legendary political filmmaker Costa Gravas. Colonel DuPlan is a powerful but elderly officer in the French military who is found murdered in his flat after appearing on a television talk show in… More A man of principle is led down a sinister path in the name of patriotism in this drama co-written by the legendary political filmmaker Costa Gravas. Colonel DuPlan is a powerful but elderly officer in the French military who is found murdered in his flat after appearing on a television talk show in which he roundly criticizes the current French administration. Lt. Galois (Cecile de France) is a police detective who is part of the team investigating DuPlan's murder, and when a package of letters from one of DuPlan's former underlings arrives at the police station, Galois is ordered to read them and see if they contain any useful information. Lt. Guy Rossi (Robinson Stevenin) served under DuPlan (Olivier Gourmet) as France was at war with Algeria; while Rossi questions the wisdom of effectiveness of the conflict, DuPlan is a gung-ho officer who believes France must lead by any means necessary. Through a combination of intimidation and flattery, DuPlan wins Rossi over to his side and turns him into a valued aide who will do nearly anything to serve his leaders -- including torturing prisoners, killing adversaries, and violating the laws of war. Also starring Charles Aznavour, Mon Colonel (aka The Colonel) was the first feature-length directorial credit for Laurent Herbiet. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi