Diplomacy is a 2014 French-German drama film directed by Volker Schlöndorff, based on the play of the same name by Cyril Gély. The movie is set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and tells the story of Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling's attempt to persuade German General Dietrich von Choltitz not to carry out Hitler's order to destroy the city.
The movie opens with a scene of von Choltitz (played by Niels Arestrup) receiving the order from Hitler to destroy Paris. Nordling (played by André Dussollier) is informed of the plan and decides to meet with von Choltitz to try to convince him to disobey the order. Nordling sneaks into the Hotel Meurice, where von Choltitz is staying, and manages to make his way to the general's room.
What follows is a tense, gripping exchange between Nordling and von Choltitz as they discuss the fate of the city. Nordling tries various tactics to persuade von Choltitz, including appeals to his humanity and reminders of his duty as a soldier. Meanwhile, von Choltitz is torn between his loyalty to Hitler and his own sense of morality.
The movie also includes flashbacks to earlier moments in von Choltitz's career, including his time as the military governor of occupied Paris and his role in the invasion of the Soviet Union. These scenes provide crucial context for von Choltitz's decision-making and help to paint a complex picture of the man at the center of the story.
Overall, Diplomacy is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of duty, morality, and the power of diplomacy in times of crisis. The performances by both Arestrup and Dussollier are excellent, and the film's depiction of wartime Paris is hauntingly beautiful.
