The Exception Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A German soldier guarding the exiled Kaiser in Holland falls for a Jewish spy posing as a maid, leading to a messy love triangle and a daring escape involving ducks, questionable accents, and a whole lot of historical inaccuracies.

🍿 The Exception: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: Intrigue at Kaiser Wilhelm’s Estate

In May 1940, with Holland under Nazi occupation, Captain Stefan Brandt, a German officer haunted by his past, is assigned to guard the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II at his estate. The Kaiser, bitter and isolated, still holds sway in the eyes of some, making him a potential target and a figure of interest to both the Nazis and the Allies. Brandt’s mission is to ensure the Kaiser’s safety while also monitoring for any signs of disloyalty.

A Forbidden Romance and Hidden Identities

Brandt’s arrival at the estate is complicated by his immediate attraction to Mieke, a young Dutch maid working for the Kaiser. Their relationship quickly escalates into a passionate affair, but both are harboring secrets. Brandt is grappling with the moral implications of serving the Nazi regime after witnessing atrocities in Poland. Mieke, secretly Jewish and a British spy, is using her position to gather intelligence and aid the Allied cause.

Himmler’s Visit and Rising Suspicion

The arrival of Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, intensifies the tension. Himmler’s visit, cloaked in a facade of respect for the Kaiser, is actually a ploy to uncover any remaining monarchist sympathies within Germany. As Himmler’s true agenda becomes clear, Brandt finds himself increasingly conflicted between his duty to the Reich and his growing feelings for Mieke, whose identity as a spy is slowly being revealed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mieke de Jong (Lily James): A Jewish Dutch maid and British spy who develops a forbidden romance with a German officer while working in Kaiser Wilhelm II’s household.
• Capt. Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney): A German officer assigned to guard Kaiser Wilhelm II, who grapples with his conscience as he falls for a Jewish spy.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer): The exiled former German emperor living in Holland, who is a figure of interest to both the Nazis and the British.
• Princess Hermine (Janet McTeer): Kaiser Wilhelm II’s wife, who is determined to see her husband restored to the German throne and willing to align with the Nazis.
• Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan): The chilling head of the SS who visits Kaiser Wilhelm II to assess his loyalties and further Hitler’s deceptive plans.
• Col. Sigurd von Ilsemann (Ben Daniels): The Kaiser’s loyal aide, who provides a moral compass and helps Brandt see the truth about the Nazi regime.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kaiser Wilhelm II: “I’m ashamed to say that before and after my first marriage I, myself, fathered at least two illegitimate children.” – The Kaiser candidly admits his past indiscretions during a conversation.
• Kaiser Wilhelm II: “Both of them, incidentally, blackmailed me for huge sums of money, the Countess and the prostitute. I expected better of the prostitute.” – The Kaiser reveals the consequences of his affairs, adding a touch of dark humor.
• Mieke de Jong: “Men like Himmler are the rule in Hitler’s Germany, not the exception.” – Mieke expresses her view on the Nazi regime and contrasts it with Brandt.
• Capt. Stefan Brandt: “Will you marry me?” – Brandt asks Mieke to marry him, showing his deep affection and commitment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $708,973
• Worldwide Gross: $872,805

💥 The Exception Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Exception’ to be a surprising watch. Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm was captivating, and really added to the movie. There were moments where I felt a genuine connection to the characters, especially the tension during Himmler’s visit. The initial relationship between Brandt and Mieke felt forced, but as the story progressed, I became invested in their fate. It isn’t perfect, but I was thoroughly entertained.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in WWII stories with a romantic subplot”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances, especially from Christopher Plummer”
  • “Audiences looking for a suspenseful spy thriller”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief nudity and sexual situations”
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Mature themes related to WWII and the Holocaust”
  • “Some disturbing dialogue concerning Nazi ideology”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “While the film boasts strong performances from Plummer and James, it ultimately struggles to balance its espionage and romance elements, resulting in a somewhat uneven and predictable narrative. The historical setting is well-realized, but the plot often feels contrived.
• Den of Geek: “The Exception presents a compelling story, but the execution is lacking. The film is visually appealing, but the character development feels rushed, and the romantic subplot overshadows the more intriguing political elements. Christopher Plummer shines as the Kaiser.
• IMDB Reviewer: “I really enjoyed Christopher Plummer’s acting as Kaiser Wilhelm II in this movie. But the movie plot isn’t well created. So I would recommend it if you really liked the Kaiser Wilhelm and also love Christopher Plummer.

Audience Reactions

Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm II was exceptional and brought depth to the film.: Viewers appreciated the performances, particularly Christopher Plummer’s, and found the storyline engaging despite some historical inaccuracies.

The chemistry between Lily James and Jai Courtney was captivating, creating a believable and compelling romance.: Fans praised the romantic element of the story, noting the strong chemistry between the lead actors, although some found the beginning of the relation forced.

Overall Consensus: While ‘The Exception’ has flaws, it offers an engaging blend of romance, espionage, and historical drama, elevated by strong performances from its cast, especially Christopher Plummer.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was partly filmed at the real house of Kaiser Wilhelm at Huize Doorn, adding authenticity to the setting.”
• “The film is based on the novel ‘The Kaiser’s Last Kiss’ by Alan Judd.”
• “Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm II was widely praised, with many considering it a highlight of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Exception?

As of October 2024, “The Exception” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Exception, you might like these similar films:

• Suite Française (2014): A forbidden romance blossoms between a German officer and a French woman during the Nazi occupation.
• The King’s Choice (2016): Another World War II film about a monarch faced with German invasion, focusing on moral decisions and national duty.
• Casablanca (1942): A classic wartime romance with espionage elements, set against the backdrop of World War II.
• Allied (2016): Features espionage and a passionate wartime love affair with hidden identities and divided loyalties.

🛒 The Exception Related Products

• The Kaiser’s Last Kiss: The book the movie is based on, diving even deeper into the Kaiser’s life and the characters’ inner worlds. It offers a richer, more detailed experience of the story.
• World War II: The Definitive Visual History: A comprehensive visual guide to World War II. This book offers deep insights into the historical context of the movie.
• The Exception [DVD]: Own the movie on DVD to relive the drama, romance, and suspense. Includes bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage.
• German WWII Officer Uniform Costume: Dress up as a German officer with this detailed and high-quality costume. Perfect for cosplay or historical reenactments.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Exception features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Du bist die Ruh” – performed by Franz Schubert
• “Main Title Theme” – performed by Ilan Eshkeri

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Exception: Watch Christopher Plummer and Jai Courtney in an Exclusive Clip

Want to see Christopher Plummer and Jai Courtney in action? This exclusive clip from ‘The Exception’ gives you a sneak peek at their dynamic – their scenes together are so intense, you won’t be able to look away!

He Falls In Love And Sleeps With The Maid But The Maid Is Actually A Spy

Confused about the plot of ‘The Exception’? This recap breaks it down in under 15 minutes! It’s like getting a cheat sheet before a test, except way more entertaining.

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