The Exception (2016)

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08/03/2025

The Exception (2016)

The Exception is a historical war drama film directed by David Leveaux, based on Alan Judd’s novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss. Set during World War II, the film blends romance, espionage, and political intrigue, offering a gripping story of forbidden love and moral dilemmas.

The film follows Captain Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney), a German Wehrmacht officer sent on a mission to the Netherlands. His assignment is to monitor the exiled German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer), who has been living in seclusion since the fall of the German Empire after World War I. The Nazi regime, wary of a possible British spy infiltrating the household, tasks Brandt with ensuring the Kaiser’s security while keeping an eye on any suspicious activities.

Upon arriving at the Kaiser’s estate, Brandt meets Mieke de Jong (Lily James), a young and beautiful Dutch maid working in the household. Despite being a soldier of Nazi Germany, Brandt finds himself drawn to Mieke, and the two quickly begin a passionate affair. However, Mieke harbors a dangerous secret—she is Jewish and involved in the Dutch resistance against the Nazis. Their romance becomes a perilous game, as discovery could mean death for both of them.

Meanwhile, the aging Kaiser Wilhelm II, though nostalgic about his lost empire, remains largely detached from Hitler’s rule. However, his hope is briefly rekindled when high-ranking Nazi officer Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan) visits him, hinting that the Führer might reinstate him as a symbolic leader of Germany. The Kaiser, desperate for relevance, is unaware of the darker motives behind the Nazi interest in him.

As Brandt grows closer to Mieke, he begins questioning his loyalty to the Nazi regime. Torn between duty and love, he must decide whether to remain a loyal officer or betray his country to protect the woman he loves. The tension escalates when Mieke’s involvement in the resistance is exposed, forcing Brandt to make a life-altering decision.

With stunning performances, The Exception delivers a gripping tale of love and sacrifice against the backdrop of war. The film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the moral conflicts faced by individuals caught in the tide of history. Featuring an outstanding performance by Christopher Plummer as the complex and witty Kaiser, the film provides both suspense and emotional depth, making it a compelling wartime drama.

The Exception (2016)

The Exception (2016)

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