'The Tenth Man' (1988) Movie of the Book by Graham Greene

'The Tenth Man' (1988) is a television drama based on Graham Greene’s novella of the same name. Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human cost of survival.

Plot Overview: The story begins in a German prison where a group of Frenchmen is held captive. When the Nazis announce that every tenth prisoner will be executed as a reprisal for Resistance activities, the inmates draw lots to determine who will die. Chavel (played by Anthony Hopkins), a wealthy lawyer, draws the fatal lot. Desperate to save his life, he offers all his possessions—his estate, money, and inheritance—to any prisoner willing to take his place. A poor and terminally ill man named Michel agrees to die in Chavel’s stead, securing his family’s future.

After the war, Chavel returns to his former estate, now owned by Michel’s surviving sister, Thérèse (played by Kristin Scott Thomas). Disguising his identity, Chavel takes on the role of a humble servant. Wracked with guilt and seeking atonement, he forms a complicated bond with Thérèse, who despises the man responsible for her brother’s death—unaware that her new servant is the very man.

The tension escalates when a mysterious drifter arrives, falsely claiming to be Chavel. This imposter’s arrival forces the real Chavel to confront his past, reveal his identity, and defend himself. In doing so, he attempts to earn Thérèse’s forgiveness and reconcile with the moral consequences of his actions.

Themes: Guilt and Redemption: Chavel’s struggle to atone for sacrificing another man reveals his deep remorse and longing for redemption.

Identity and Transformation: The film explores how external circumstances and moral choices reshape personal identity.

Moral Ambiguity: It questions whether survival at another’s expense can ever be justified and whether true forgiveness is possible.

Performance and Style: Anthony Hopkins delivers a compelling performance, capturing Chavel’s inner turmoil and emotional transformation. The film maintains a somber, reflective tone, emphasizing Greene’s moral complexity. Kristin Scott Thomas brings depth to Thérèse, balancing grief with a growing recognition of Chavel’s humanity.

Conclusion: The Tenth Man (1988) is a poignant adaptation that remains faithful to Graham Greene’s themes of moral reckoning and human frailty. It examines the weight of survival and the possibility of redemption in the aftermath of profound moral compromise.