Knowing the story of Simone Veil is knowing a bit of the European and French history. She was arrested at 15 because she sang the international outside her home. She was deported by the French government, survived Auschwitz, Death marches, and Bergen-Belsen. She was one of the only females attending the Science Po school at the time, married, had 3 children, decided to get back to her studies against what society wanted from her. She then became one of the first female magistrates, and helped get the prisoners' condition to a humane one. She was appointed as Health Minister and managed to make abortion legal, helped addicts and people suffering from AIDS... She was elected president of the first universally elected European Parliament, the 6th woman to get into to the Académie française, the 5th woman to get into the Panthéon... She fought for the rights of women, she was one of the first politicians to talk about collaboration in France. She was one of the reasons why France and Germany got closer after the war, she fought for Europe as a way to prevent history from happening again. Her life and actions made her a hero for many people in France, which is why a movie was made on her. And what a movie. It is of course a difficult one, but so many things happened to that incredible woman that we need to see it. The movie is a non linear one, which is not my favourite, and sometimes you get bits of stories that don't have any link to the one before, which makes you lose a bit of the plot. But I would still recommend it, at least to see history being made in front of your eyes, by a woman who fought against everything that was thrown against her, for the dignity of the weak.

Every aspect of this movie was excellent. Cinematography, story, acting, casting, places to film, outfits - chef's kisses. The way they chose such similar people in different ages was incredible. And of course, what makes it even more special and amazing is that it was a real-life story. This woman, I have no words; she went through hell and back but still found sympathy and empathy in her heart to do all the noble things that she did. The way she helped in the Algerian case touched my heart. She's amazing, truly and very inspiring.

I love how they portrayed her personality as both strong and courageous, but at the same time, she would cry, she would collapse, and she hasn't gotten over her PTSD. It shows how incredible women are and how they shouldn't give up emotions for power; they can have both. We can cry and then rule the world. That's how it's supposed to be. Not only that, it showed how women's ability to feel and sympathize has so many benefits because if there wasn't this strong, kind-hearted woman in this situation, who would help the poor prisoners?

I loved her relationship with her husband; I'm so glad she found such a great supporter. But they didn't hide the fact that sometimes he can be selfish and can say things that are questionable. But the thing is, he never actually forced her to leave her work, and he didn't give up on her. My eyes still water thinking about them.

One thing I don't know if I liked is the transitions between the times; But it actually paid off at the end when I realized what she truly went through. I looked back at what she did and tied the strings together, and I was even more emotional about it.

Overall, an incredible movie. I will always be a sucker for a biography movie of powerful women.

I don't usually write a review but had to in response to the couple of bad reviews here.

Those who left bad reviews don't like inventive ways tk tell a story and want spoon fed chronological A - Z storytelling.

This was one of the most truly moving and well done movies I have seen in ages. The acting was incredible they were not "dolls" with "too much makeup on" I have to conclude the reviewer who said that was maybe in the business and jealous that did not get a part. The elder Simone wore some make up as was the era - no one else did!

Days later still thinking about this film. Do not miss it if you can see it. Moving and well done. It will definitely be a foreign film Oscar contender.