Synopsis:
Albert Dehousse (Mathieu Kassovitz) is denied conscription into the French army during World War II and, after marrying a local girl, flees his hometown for Paris. A Free French Captain finds him living on the streets and advises him to create a better past for himself. Dehousse takes this to heart, generating a false backstory as an underground resistance fighter so convincing that he eventually finds himself in a position of power in liberated France.

Awards and Recognition:
Best Screenplay (Cannes Film Festival, 1996)
Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Music, Best Editing nominations (César Awards, 1997)