At the start of World War II, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance at the posh Hotel Splendide in Bordeaux. Cabinet members, journalists, physicists, and spies of all persuasions gather in order to escape the Nazi occupation of Paris. High society socialites hobnob with jailbirds. Murderous intrigues, scientific secrets and love affairs flourish. And some very stylish 1940′s-era hats are on display as well.

It won a raft of César Awards (the French “Oscars”), including (naturally) Best Costume Design.

Jürgen Fauth , World Film guide for About.com, writes: “Tightly plotted and smoothly told, “Bon Voyage” moves at a brisk pace. Between all the accidents, chance encounters, and surprising reversals, Rappeneau and his co-writers find time for compelling characters and smart dialogue that hits just the right balance between seriousness and hilarity. As in [Director Jean-Paul] Tavernier’s “Safe Conduct” and Bertulucci’s “The Dreamers,” French history is inextricably bound up with the movies of the time (at least in the minds of French directors.) Fittingly, “Bon Voyage” is a big movie-movie, with immaculate production values, big stars, and a soundtrack that swells in all the right places, and a story that begins and ends at the movies.”

Visit the official Bon Voyage site here!

Above: Peter Coyote and Wolfgang Pissors in “Bon Voyage”. Below: Isabelle Adjani. Photos © 2003 Sony Pictures Classics. All Rights Reserved.