It was obvious from the beginning of the first episode that a great deal of time and expense must have been put into this series. The locations and costumes appear to be very accurate. French soldiers are shown wearing the red trousers (le pantalon rouge) introduced in 1829 and still in use at the outbreak of war in 1914. Since such pains appear to have been taken with the visual aspects, it is a pity that less attention has been paid to other historical details. However, in spite of this, I found the stories of the four women quite engaging, although admittedly somewhat schmaltzy and melodromatic.
The most glaring example of a historical inaccuracy is the depiction of the use of poisonous chlorine gas by the Germans in Episode 6. This episode is set in late September 1914, but poison gas was only used for the first time, by the Germans at Ypres, in April 1915!
The distinction between social classes, and between officers and other ranks at that time was quite marked, but is not reflected in this series, and it is often difficult to tell who is an officer. French officers still went into action in 1914 with swords and revolvers, but 'Colin', a lieutenant, is frequently seen carrying and firing a rilfe. Furthermore, men at that time were generally addressed by their surnames and rarely by their first names, so 'Colin' would have been referred to as 'Lieutenant de Renier' both by his brother officers and the men under his command.
I watched this film in the original French with English subtitles. Although this requires more effort, it provides a more immersive experience.
The most glaring example of a historical inaccuracy is the depiction of the use of poisonous chlorine gas by the Germans in Episode 6. This episode is set in late September 1914, but poison gas was only used for the first time, by the Germans at Ypres, in April 1915!
The distinction between social classes, and between officers and other ranks at that time was quite marked, but is not reflected in this series, and it is often difficult to tell who is an officer. French officers still went into action in 1914 with swords and revolvers, but 'Colin', a lieutenant, is frequently seen carrying and firing a rilfe. Furthermore, men at that time were generally addressed by their surnames and rarely by their first names, so 'Colin' would have been referred to as 'Lieutenant de Renier' both by his brother officers and the men under his command.
I watched this film in the original French with English subtitles. Although this requires more effort, it provides a more immersive experience.