The Exception

About The Exception

"The Exception", released in 2017, is a captivating historical drama mediated with suspense, romance and political intrigue. The movie is based on the 2003 novel "The Kaiser's Last Kiss" by Alan Judd. The plot revolves around a German soldier investigating the Netherlands monarchy, amidst the ebbs and flows of World War II, who ends up in an intense, illicit affair having far-reaching consequences.

Making / Production

Directed by David Leveaux in his directorial debut, the film was produced by Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Productions. Its gripping screenplay was crafted by Simon Burke. Filming took place in Belgium, giving the movie an authentic European setting befitting the time and setting of the story.

Actors

• Jai Courtney as Captain Stefan Brandt - Courtney delivers an intense performance as a conflicted German officer, delving deeply into the grey areas of loyalty, duty, and heart.
• Lily James as Mieke - Lily James ably portrays the conflicted and enigmatic Mieke casting a spell on the audience with her riveting presence and performance.
• Christopher Plummer as Kaiser Wilhelm II - Plummer takes on the role of Kaiser Wilhelm II, wonderfully portraying the vulnerability and strength of a deposed monarch.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the directorial debut for David Leveaux, an award-wining theater director known for his work in Broadway and the West End.
• The movie was adapted from a novel called "The Kaiser's Last Kiss", which was a fictional tale spun around true characters and events.

Quotes

• “If you are who I think you are, then all my caution is justified. And if you're not, then it's a harmless fantasy.” - Kaiser Wilhelm II
• “I am not the enemy here. Not any longer, at least.” - Captain Stefan Brandt

Music, Soundtrack

• Ilan Eshkeri created a haunting score that sets the tone of the movie beautifully, echoing the themes of love, loyalty and underlying danger.
• The closing scene features a touching performance of "Nearer, My God, to Thee", further adding a poignant emotional depth to the film.