Rotten Tomatoes
Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

De Gaulle: Tilting Iron

Play trailer Poster for De Gaulle: Tilting Iron 2026 2h 40m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
June, 1940. France collapses and signs the armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man refuses to give up. Alone against the odds, this unknown general flees to London to save what remains of freedom. Without an army, without backing, without hope. But with one irrational conviction -- France, his France, has not laid down arms. Taking the ultimate gamble, he seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over, nor lost. Reality, however, is unyielding and seems determined to prove him wrong. Yet, little by little, resistance fighters, rebellious students and determined soldiers rise up in England, France and Africa to join the cause. Their faith, audacity and thirst for freedom defy what history seemed to have written in advance.

Critics Reviews

View More
Ed Potton The Times (UK) Aug 31, 2026
4/5
A broad but entertaining and sometimes moving portrait of Charles de Gaulle, played by Simon Abkarian. Go to Full Review
Linda Marric HeyUGuys Aug 27, 2026
4/5
This is an accomplished and fascinating piece of historical filmmaking. Baudry directs with confidence and restraint, balancing intimate character moments with scenes of genuine epic scale. Go to Full Review
Philip De Semlyen Time Out Jun 4, 2026
3/5
Hopefully, the concluding part will zero in more on the man and less on the myth. Go to Full Review
Hadley Freeman Sunday Times (UK) 1 day ago
5/5
The quiet scenes, in which members of the resistance are listening to coded messages, or de Gaulle is biding his time in Hampstead, are as thrilling as the epic fight scenes in the African deserts. Go to Full Review
Tom Dawson Radio Times Sep 8, 2026
4/5
French film-maker Antonin Baudry crafts an old-fashioned yet stirring portrayal of Charles de Gaulle during the Second World War. Go to Full Review
Jim Schembri jimschembri.com Sep 4, 2026
3.5/5
Despite the long running time, the film’s pace and love of explaining strategic nuances and tensions makes it an engaging, satisfying sit, its climactic battle pointing neatly to Part 2. Go to Full Review
Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Movie W @MovieOz 6 days ago An instant favourite. Saw it on pre release in Australia and couldn’t wait for pt2 Liberté which I saw tonight. Now both are in my top movies ever and will re watch both when on general release in Australia. De Gaulle Resistance (as it’s called in Australia) is a gripping, intelligent piece of historical cinema. Antonin Baudry creates a genuinely tense political drama. Simon Abkarian is commanding as de Gaulle, all stiff resolve and quiet defiance, while Simon Russell Beale’s Churchill is brilliant. Their scenes together are the heart of the film. What impressed me most was how it captures the sheer improbability of the Free French cause: no army, little backing, and only conviction to build on. At around two and a half hours it never drags(I wanted it to continue), and it left me keen for Part Two. Thoughtful, beautifully made, and highly recommended for anyone with an interest in leadership or history. After seeing Pt2 tonight I want a Part 3 and 4 See more Hugh F @hughjlf Sep 24, 2026 Excellent, gripping, emotional, utterly fascinating. See more Laurent B @RT45746071 Sep 22, 2026 This two-part film is a must-see, focusing on General de Gaulle’s journey during the Second World War and the complicated relations between the Allies. The bittersweet relationship between Churchill and de Gaulle is portrayed with subtlety. The action scenes are spectacular, yet filmed from a human perspective. See more Cyndy R @CyndyJane Sep 21, 2026 What an incredible film and I learnt so much about France during WW2 that I never knew . I was riveted to the screen and all the characters were amazing to watch. Surely must win the Oscars Best Foreign Film . Just saw part 2 today, just as good! I am only sorry it is not more widely available to watch at the cinema, and we'll have to wait a year to hopefully see it on TV. I loved the way that the French, British/Americans and Italians all spoke in their own language and subtitles used for non English dialogue. It helped to make it so much more real. See more Jonny G @RT31075150 Sep 15, 2026 An outstanding war time biopic. A must see and I can't wait for the second film. I think this is Oscar worthy, not just Best Foreign Film but mainstream awards too! Shame it does not have a RT score. It is surely Certified Fresh. A better marketing budget would have been wise given the quality. See more Hannah W @RT93673577 Sep 14, 2026 An absolute must to see (on the big screen if possible); it’s a riveting story, really well acted and directed. My heart was in my throat for much of the film, but it wasn’t without humour. Can’t wait to see the next instalment. See more Read all reviews
De Gaulle: Tilting Iron

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING

Movie Info

Synopsis June, 1940. France collapses and signs the armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man refuses to give up. Alone against the odds, this unknown general flees to London to save what remains of freedom. Without an army, without backing, without hope. But with one irrational conviction -- France, his France, has not laid down arms. Taking the ultimate gamble, he seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over, nor lost. Reality, however, is unyielding and seems determined to prove him wrong. Yet, little by little, resistance fighters, rebellious students and determined soldiers rise up in England, France and Africa to join the cause. Their faith, audacity and thirst for freedom defy what history seemed to have written in advance.
Director
Antonin Baudry
Producer
Jérôme Seydoux, Ardavan Safaee, Axelle Boucaï
Screenwriter
Bérénice Vila, Antonin Baudry
Production Co
Pathé Productions Inc., Pathé Films, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Cinéma
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
French (France)
Runtime
2h 40m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Digital 2.39:1
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings