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The Exception

  • 2016
  • R
  • 1h 47m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
16K
YOUR RATING
Christopher Plummer, Jai Courtney, and Lily James in The Exception (2016)
Trailer for The Exception
Play trailer2:20
5 Videos
99+ Photos
Dark RomanceDramaHistoryRomanceWar

A German soldier tries to determine if the Dutch resistance has planted a spy to infiltrate the home of Kaiser Wilhelm in Holland during the onset of World War II, but falls for a young Jewi... Read allA German soldier tries to determine if the Dutch resistance has planted a spy to infiltrate the home of Kaiser Wilhelm in Holland during the onset of World War II, but falls for a young Jewish Dutch woman during his investigation.A German soldier tries to determine if the Dutch resistance has planted a spy to infiltrate the home of Kaiser Wilhelm in Holland during the onset of World War II, but falls for a young Jewish Dutch woman during his investigation.

  • Director
    • David Leveaux
  • Writers
    • Simon Burke
    • Alan Judd
  • Stars
    • Lily James
    • Jai Courtney
    • Christopher Plummer
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    16K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • David Leveaux
    • Writers
      • Simon Burke
      • Alan Judd
    • Stars
      • Lily James
      • Jai Courtney
      • Christopher Plummer
    • 116User reviews
    • 63Critic reviews
    • 60Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos5

    The Exception
    Trailer 2:20
    The Exception
    The Exception Trailer
    Trailer 2:19
    The Exception Trailer
    The Exception Trailer
    Trailer 2:19
    The Exception Trailer
    The Exception: Are You Courting?
    Clip 1:23
    The Exception: Are You Courting?
    The Exception: Holland
    Clip 1:14
    The Exception: Holland
    The Exception: They Know
    Clip 0:57
    The Exception: They Know

    Photos147

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Lily James
    Lily James
    • Mieke de Jong
    Jai Courtney
    Jai Courtney
    • Capt. Stefan Brandt
    Christopher Plummer
    Christopher Plummer
    • Kaiser Wilhelm II
    Ella Holland
    • Little Girl
    • (as Loïs van Wijk)
    Karin Leclercq
    • Widow in Hotel
    Anton Lesser
    Anton Lesser
    • General Falkenberg
    Aubeline Barbieux
    • Beatrix
    Janet McTeer
    Janet McTeer
    • Princess Hermine
    Stéphane Auberghen
    • Frau Linnenkamp
    Ben Daniels
    Ben Daniels
    • Col. Sigurd von Ilsemann
    Martin Swabey
    • Mueller
    Martin Savage
    Martin Savage
    • Dirksen
    Mark Dexter
    Mark Dexter
    • Dietrich
    Kurt Standaert
    • Schulz
    Kris Cuppens
    Kris Cuppens
    • Pastor Hendriks
    Frederik Lebeer
    • Signal Operative
    Eddie Marsan
    Eddie Marsan
    • Heinrich Himmler
    Stéphanie Van Vyve
    Stéphanie Van Vyve
    • Hedwig Potthast
    • (as Stephanie Van Vyve)
    • Director
      • David Leveaux
    • Writers
      • Simon Burke
      • Alan Judd
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews116

    6.816.2K
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    Featured reviews

    7zink-paul

    Delightful war fluff, well acted!

    I'm giving this an "8" simply for the fine acting and commanding presence of Christopher Plummer (I keep wanting to say "Sir Christopher Plummer") as the aged but sprightly and opinionated Kaiser Wilhelm II. I'm torn between calling this the most enjoyable silly film, or the silliest enjoyable film, I've seen in a while, but I found it captivating, even though it's almost certainly sheer fiction regarding any historical accuracy. Although I relished the early and frequent appearance of nudity and rampant sex, what I really wanted more of was extra screen time for the Kaiser's extensive wardrobe of military and imperial uniforms. Notable acting props also to Janet McTeer as the Kaiser's consort, and to Eddie Marsan as a glum, coldly business-like Heinrich Himmler.
    7Brice719

    If You Enjoy WWII Movies, You'll Definitely Enjoy This!

    Much like most of the people who will watch this movie, it caught my eye simply because of my obsession with films based around the war, and this time in history.

    This film is not very historically accurate, so if that is important to you, you better stay away. HOWEVER if you do don't much care for historical accuracy, and you are looking for a Nazi War Film with superb acting, then this is DEFINITELY the film for you!

    The Acting, wardrobe, and cinematography were all excellent in this movie!

    (7/10) - The only reason i am giving this movie a 7/10 is because this movie is somewhat predicable, as is the case for most "Romantic Movies", but it is still an amazing story that i would recommend anyone to watch!
    7d_anast

    Extraordinary Christopher

    The film is a typical euro meager budget co-production with a nice little plot and the substance of an eclair, but the delight here is viewing Christopher Plummer showcasing his pure love of acting. He has reached legendary dimensions in his ability and he joyously devours each part he gets these days regardless of the material. He has become in many ways someone he played: John Barrymore. Same love of tricks and hypnotic magnetism. But what a joy to behold. If you want a master class in the study of a near 90 year old acting magician see this!
    Gordon-11

    A pleasant surprise

    This film tells the story of an army official in Nazi Germany, who is responsible for finding out the spy in the Dutch royal residence. He develops a romance with the Jewish maid, and he is forced to choose side.

    I normally do not have high expectations for films I have not heard of, therefore I was pleasantly surprised by "The Exception". The plot is engaging, as it makes viewers care for both the German soldier and the Jewish maid. The production is good, and the sets are convincing. Jai Courtney is charming as the army officer, and I think he attracts adoration, sympathy and respect for his character.
    8LeonardKniffel

    Christopher Plummer Is One Extraordinary Actor

    Christopher Plummer is in his old age one of the finest actors the silver screen has ever known. Here he play Kaiser Wilhelm, German emperor in exile in Holland at the onset of World War II. As the suspenseful plot unfolds, his performance draws us into the plight of Germans, including the Kaiser's wife, who began to recognize the evil intentions of the Nazi regime. Reviewers need to remember that this is a movie, the characters are invented, but the point of view is clear and beats the ridiculous premise of films like Inglorious Basterds. Yes folks there were thousands of people who resisted, Germans among them.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Was partly filmed at the real house of the Kaiser at Huize Doorn.
    • Goofs
      Upon arriving at the Kaiser's residence, Himmler refers to the "National Socialist Democratic Workers' Party." The actual name is, "National Socialist German Workers' Party" or in the original German, "Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei."
    • Quotes

      Kaiser Wilhelm II: I'm ashamed to say that before and after my first marriage I, myself, fathered at least two illegitimate children: one with an Austrian countess, another with a French prostitute who was known in court circles as Madame L'Amour. Both of them, incidentally, blackmailed me for huge sums of money, the Countess and the prostitute. I expected better of the prostitute.

    • Soundtracks
      Du bist die Ruh
      By Franz Schubert

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Exception?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 2, 2017 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
      • Germany
      • Belgium
      • Switzerland
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Gián Điệp
    • Filming locations
      • Flanders, Belgium
    • Production companies
      • Egoli Tossell Pictures
      • Ostar Productions
      • Alton Road Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $708,973
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $21,351
      • Jun 4, 2017
    • Gross worldwide
      • $872,805
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 47 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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