If you want a film that is a formulaic romance with a nice, happy ending, then I suggest you don't watch "Beware of Pity". While I loved the film, I know it's the type of film that might depress or alienate some. Just a warning before you give it a watch...
The film begins just as WWII ends in Europe. A young pilot has been seeing a disabled girl for some time--more out of pity than anything else. His commanding officer (ALbert Lieven) calls him to his office and begins telling him a story about his own life...when HE began seeing a woman more out of pity than anything else.
"Beware the Pity" then jumps back several decades--just before WWI. The commanding officer is a young lieutenant who makes a very innocent comment--not knowing she cannot walk. He feels terrible--but he sure shouldn't have known. So, after the dance party, he returns to apologize and they soon become friends. However, he has no interest in her beyond this and only sees her because she's lonely and he feels sorry for her. Over time, however, she falls in love with him...and things get very complicated. And, through all this, if he'd just been honest with her, none of this would have happened...and the film would have ended on a happier notes.
The film has very nice acting and production values. However, the biggest star is the script. It's very original AND it kept me guessing--and that is very nice. Worth seeing...but not for all tastes.
The film begins just as WWII ends in Europe. A young pilot has been seeing a disabled girl for some time--more out of pity than anything else. His commanding officer (ALbert Lieven) calls him to his office and begins telling him a story about his own life...when HE began seeing a woman more out of pity than anything else.
"Beware the Pity" then jumps back several decades--just before WWI. The commanding officer is a young lieutenant who makes a very innocent comment--not knowing she cannot walk. He feels terrible--but he sure shouldn't have known. So, after the dance party, he returns to apologize and they soon become friends. However, he has no interest in her beyond this and only sees her because she's lonely and he feels sorry for her. Over time, however, she falls in love with him...and things get very complicated. And, through all this, if he'd just been honest with her, none of this would have happened...and the film would have ended on a happier notes.
The film has very nice acting and production values. However, the biggest star is the script. It's very original AND it kept me guessing--and that is very nice. Worth seeing...but not for all tastes.