Freedom 2009
Tony Gatlif's *Freedom* (2009) is a poignant drama set against the backdrop of WWII France, following a Gypsy family navigating persecution under the Vichy regime.
Director: Tony Gatlif
Cast
Marc Lavoine
Théodore
James Thierrée
Taloche
Mathias Laliberté
P'tit Claude
Marie-Josée Croze
Miss Lundi
Carlo Brandt
Pierre Pentecôte
Rufus
Fernand
Arben Bajraktaraj
Darko
Giorgi Babluani
Kako
Ilir Selmoski
Chavo
Kevyn Diana
Zanko
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freedom (2009) about?
*Freedom* follows a Gypsy family's struggle during WWII France, where their nomadic life is criminalized and they're forced into internment camps. After reaching a vineyard town that briefly shelters them, authority figures like the mayor and schoolteacher try to help—but their efforts crumble under oppressive new laws. The film centers on their fight to reclaim dignity and identity amid escalating persecution.
Who directed Freedom?
Freedom was directed by Tony Gatlif, the acclaimed French filmmaker known for his intimate portrayals of marginalized communities and Romani culture.
Who stars in Freedom?
The film features Marc Lavoine as Mayor Theodore, James Thierrée as a key Gypsy family member, Mathias Laliberté, Marie-Josée Croze, and Rufus in pivotal roles.
Is Freedom (2009) worth watching?
While *Freedom* lacks an IMDb rating for context, its haunting WWII setting and Gatlif's emotionally charged direction make it a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas. The film's themes of resistance and cultural erasure resonate deeply, though its bleak tone may not suit all viewers.
How long is Freedom?
Freedom runs for 111 minutes (1 hour, 51 minutes).
Freedom (2009): A Gypsy Family's Fight for Survival in WWII France — Full Movie Info
Tony Gatlif's *Freedom* (2009) is a poignant drama set against the backdrop of WWII France, following a Gypsy family navigating persecution under the Vichy regime. After years of nomadic freedom, they find temporary refuge in a vineyard town, only to face harsh new laws barring their way of life. When authorities crack down, the community splits apart—some cast into internment camps, others left searching for stolen identities. Marc Lavoine delivers a standout performance as Mayor Theodore, whose reluctant defiance contrasts with the rigid bureaucracy suppressing the Gypsies' existence. The film brims with Gatlif's signature blend of raw emotion and lyrical storytelling, capturing resilience in the face of oppression while weaving themes of family, belonging, and the cost of freedom.
At its heart, *Freedom* is a bittersweet meditation on survival and solidarity, where every frame hums with the tension of a Europe teetering on the edge of annihilation. The Gypsies' vibrant culture clashes with the cold machinery of the state, creating a visually striking and thematically rich narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
