Grand Illusion
A group of French soldiers, including the patrician Captain de Boeldieu and the working-class Lieutenant Maréchal, grapple with their own class differences after being captured and held in a World War I German prison camp. When the men are transferred to a high-security fortress, they must concoct a plan to escape beneath the watchful eye of aristocratic German officer von Rauffenstein, who has formed an unexpected… From TMDB
98 reactions from 3 sources (Bluesky, Lemmy, TMDB reviews) · newest Sep 26, 2026 · last updated Oct 15, 2026 · How this works
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| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluesky * | 3 | 0 | 19 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TMDB reviews * | 1 | 0 | 0 |
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Reactions
60 of 98 · most liked firstNEW: The Grand Illusion Cinema lives! The single-screen movie house that'd been in Seattle’s University District for more than 50 years before closing in January 2025 is coming home. It will be now taking over at the Varsity Theatre 📽️ My story @seattletimes.com: www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen...
neutral · AI labelView post →there is truly no better time you can have for free on your phone than looking up the full CV of the cinematographer of any great canonical work of film art, 98% of the time it’s like THE GRAND ILLUSION immediately followed by BOOBS 2: THE BOOBENING
neutral · AI labelView post →So depressing. I learned how to be a baby cinéaste at fabulous palaces like the Egyptian. (RIP the Seven Gables, the Grand Illusion, the Neptune as a movie theater, the Harvard Exit...)
neutral · AI labelView post →Jean Renoir (with scenes from his film "Grand Illusion") - BOTD
neutral · AI labelView post →See one of the finest films ever made & help us build an even grander Grand Illusion! We're showing THE THIRD MAN on Saturday at 7pm to raise money for our relocation. Join us! “Exquisite! Encapsulates all the reasons we go to the movies!” The Village Voice grandillusioncinema.org/film/the-thi...
neutral · AI labelView post →Shout out to our epic run of @hundredsofbeavers.bsky.social in IndieWire! "…the team considers Seattle as “Beaver Central.” The movie has played there at least once a month since March 2024, starting at the Grand Illusion…" See it 3/27 @centralcinema.bsky.social! www.indiewire.com/news/box-off...
neutral · AI labelView post →Jean Renoir (with scenes from his film "Grand Illusion") - BOTD
neutral · AI labelView post →Punks Not Dead Scott Crawford, Joe Keithly and Duff McKagan having fun before the Seattle premiere of Something Better Change. The Grand Illusion Cinema
neutral · AI labelView post →I'm going to restrict this list to older movies and imports since there's already most of Hollywood's best listed by other people. - [Ran](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/11645) (1985): Japanese take on King Lear. Kurosawa. - [12 Angry Men](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/389-12-angry-men) (1957): Fonda has doubts about the man charged. Sidney Lumet. - [Lawrence of Arabia](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/947-lawrence-of-arabia) (1962): Based on actual WWI British officer T.E.…
neutral · AI labelView post →It was a few years back, but I loved writing this story about Seattle’s historic moviehouses—and what it means to see a movie in a place that has its own story. Most that I wrote about are still open, though the Grand Illusion (in picture) will be moving soon. www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen...
neutral · AI labelView post →TICKETS ADDED! Our screening of UNCLE BOONMEE sold out with weeks to spare so we moved it into Northwest Film Forum's larger cinema! Come support the Grand Illusion at this screening of one of the masterpieces of the 21st century. Feb. 19th at 7pm. grandillusioncinema.org/film/uncle-b...
neutral · AI labelView post →Grand Illusion Cinema is where my mom’s now-fervent love for Bram Stoker’s Dracula was born. I’ll never forget the way she turned to look at me after it ended and breathlessly exclaimed “it’s a love story!!” I am so happy they have a new home we can make movie memories at 💚💚
neutral · AI labelView post →Happy Birthday MARCEL DALIO! 🎂 Success in France & Hollywood included TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT & CASABLANCA w/ Humphrey Bogart & CATCH 22. Starred in PEPE LE MOKO & Jean RENOIR'S LE GRAND ILLUSION & LE REGLE DU JEU. Fleeing WWII, arrived in Hollywood with $17, later returning to French film career.
neutral · AI labelView post →On @citycastseattle.bsky.social, talked w/ @janehu.bsky.social & @samjleeds.bsky.social about the exciting news of the Grand Illusion Cinema taking over the Varsity Theatre plus offered a whole bunch of fun recommendations of what to do this weekend📽️ Listen here: seattle.citycast.fm/podcasts/u-d...
neutral · AI labelView post →When I was going to the UW, the U-District was filled with theaters—the Neptune, Varsity, Grand Illusion, Metro, Seven Gables—which I frequented any time I could. That they're *all* gone now (with The Varsity, a place I used to watch triple bills on days off, closing) is unfathomable & deeply sad.
neutral · AI labelView post →It's Christmas Day, so in true Grand Illusion style we're announcing a 16mm screening of one of cinema’s most poetic nightmares, VAMPYR. Cellist Lori Goldston will join us to perform an original live score for the film on 1/10! Tickets are already going fast! grandillusioncinema.org/film/vampyr-...
neutral · AI labelView post →Wrote this before Seattle indie theaters took a hit, but wanted to share even more go see BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN at SIFF, lots of David Lynch at The Beacon, Hayao Miyazaki at Central Cinema, BEFORE SUNRISE/BEFORE SUNSET at NW Film Forum via Grand Illusion, & more 📽️👇 www.seattletimes.com/entertainmen...
neutral · AI labelView post →#ICYMI here is my original story about the Grand Illusion Cinema bringing cinema back to the University District to end its movie drought. Was nice to bring some good local Seattle movie theater news for a change (and, keep an eye out, as there is more to come quite soon) 📽️ bsky.app/profile/ecle...
neutral · AI labelView post →This is really good news! This building was foundational in a lot of my film-nerd development, as was Grand Illusion, and having GI move into it means both orgs get new chances to blossom.
neutral · AI labelView post →Farewell to 1403 NE 50th Street, home for 54 years to the Grand Illusion Cinema (née The Movie House), and de facto home venue for us since 2010. Today is the last day of the lease, and the very last of The Things are getting moved out. Watch the GI’s socials and email list for popup screenings!
neutral · AI labelView post →On July 2, Alex Cox is coming to Seattle with his final film, Dead Souls, thanks to @grandillusioncinema.org and @centralcinema.bsky.social. I just got my ticket! Last time I saw Cox in person was in 2003 at the Grand Illusion's U Dist location for Revengers Tragedy--with special guest Eddie Izzard!
neutral · AI labelView post →The Grand Illusion is playing Kurosawa Kiyoshi's remake of his own Serpent's Path (along with his short film Chime) at the SIFF Film Center on April 7 and again on April 16, two shows only. I wrote about Serpent's Path (both versions) when they played at Japan Cuts last summer.
neutral · AI labelView post →This Thursday at 10pm the Grand Illusion and Here-After proudly present @theonion.com's new film JEFFREY EPSTEIN: BAD PEDOPHILE. www.ticketweb.com/event/jeffre...
neutral · AI labelView post →OK, I never do these, but I can’t resist this one. Favourite film from many decades: 20s The General 30s Grand Illusion 40s Citizen Kane 50s Rear Window 60s Cleo from 5 to 7 70s O Lucky Man 80s I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing 90s Night on Earth 00s Pan’s Labyrinth 10s Phoenix 20s Poor Things
positive · AI labelView post →We're holding four more fundraisers before we move out. See a great film with an audience and help us move! THE LAST PICTURE SHOW: 1/18 at 6pm BRINGING UP BABY: 1/23 at 715pm THE GRAND ILLUSION: 1/26 at 6pm CINEMA PARADISO: 1/31 at 7pm Tix are running low, so get 'em now: grandillusioncinema.org
neutral · AI labelView post →Join us on Jan. 18 for a fundraiser screening of THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. See a beautiful restoration of an American classic & help us move! This screening is generously sponsored by longtime Grand Illusion patron Michelle Byrd in loving memory of Bill Kennedy. grandillusioncinema.org/film/the-las...
neutral · AI labelView post →Grand Illusion (1937). A wonderful, unapologetically leftist film about nationalism and war and social class. I love the way this movie uses language.
positive · AI labelView post →Birthday boy Jean Renoir was cinema’s great humanitarian: his 1937 The Grand Illusion was a superb call for brotherhood among men that became the 1st foreign language film to get a best picture nod; too bad Hitler didn’t get the message. Later films like Rules Of The Game confirmed Renoir’s genius
neutral · AI labelView post →The phrase "end of an era" gets thrown around a lot. But this is not only Seattle's "oldest running movie theater." This story highlights its uniqueness nationwide. I'll miss The Grand Illusion. I saw so many wonders there: LE FILS (THE SON), ABOUT ELLY, RIDDLE OF FIRE, GASOLINE RAINBOW, and more.
positive · AI labelView post →Seeing Obama & Trump chatting and laughing while at Carter‘s funeral brings to mind Renoir’s movie “Grand Illusion” where the German officers and their POW WWI French officers have more in common with each other than the hi class French officers have with the French low class soldiers they command.
neutral · AI labelView post →Reminder to cinephiles: Jean Renoir made an all-time classic movie about this in the late-‘30s called Grand Illusion. It’s a Must See. Currently streaming on Kanopy!
unlabelledView post →Love these people. I don't know if all the Grand Illusion-at-NWFF screenings have been selling out, but they've been doing really well. Titles include Uncle Boonmee, the restored version of Charles Burnett's The Annihilation of Fish, and tonight's screening of Zeinabu Irene Davis's restored film.
unlabelledView post →When I was in college, one of my professors told me that "The Rules of the Game" was the second-greatest film ever made and "The Grand Illusion" was the best. They certainly should rank high on any list of whatever length. (which reminds me that I need to rewatch both, as I regularly do)
unlabelledView post →Correction. Preminger's presence reminded film fans of Von Stroheim's role in 'La Grand Illusion'...
unlabelledView post →Full house this afternoon at SIFF Film Center for Sound of Falling, a presentation of Grand Illusion Cinema. And it looks like they might be adding another date to the extended run of Kristen Stewart's adaptation of The Chronology of Water (for now, it screens again on Feb 18 and 22).
unlabelledView post →Renoir made a movie about this called "The Grand Illusion" set in WWII times.
unlabelledView post →Although his Hollywood stint wasn't impressive, Gabin was a giant in French cinema: La Bete Humaine, Grand Illusion, Le Plaisir, among others. He fought in North Africa in WWII and in the division that liberated Paris. He was buried with military honors. #moviesky #films #movies
unlabelledView post →I thought I had seen Spy Game before, but if I had I have forgotten 100% of it. Enjoyed Badlands. Was distracted during The Grand Illusion so I probably owe it another watch. Saw the Pink Floyd movie in the theater, which was rad. #lastfourwatched
unlabelledView post →Do yourself, and film lovers, a solid: DONATE TO GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA!
unlabelledView post →#NowWatching GRAND ILLUSION for the 2nd time this month. Such a great war/POW film.
unlabelledView post →#ICYMI here is my original story about the Grand Illusion Cinema bringing cinema back to the University District to end its movie drought. Was nice to bring some good local Seattle movie theater news for a change (and, keep an eye out, as there is more to come quite soon) 📽️ bsky.app/profile/ecle...
unlabelledView post →Good news for Thursday: Grand Illusion Cinema finds a new home in Seattle's U District www.axios.com/local/seattl...
unlabelledView post →Grand Illusion to move into U District's shuttered Varsity Theater.
unlabelledView post →📽️ Movie Challenge 2026 - Week 15 Catch up, guilt free, in this week's Watchlist Amnesty. This week I watched: Daybreak (1939) In the Mood for Love (2000) Irma Vep (1996) Rear Window (1954) Grand Illusion (1937) Orpheus (1950) Trouble in Paradise (1932)
unlabelledView post →GRAND ILLUSION is a great film. If i was in NYC, I'd be there. #moviesky #scriptsky
unlabelledView post →En sjanger jeg sjelden blir veldig begeistret for, men fant noen jeg synes er genuint gode filmer. Vet ikke om jeg ville kalt alle sci-fi eller fantasy men Letterboxd gjorde det så følger dem. Showdown: Grand Illusion boxd.it/GpC0W
unlabelledView post →I’ve been trying to think of the last time I actually saw something on film. It might have been a kung fu double feature here at the Grand Illusion of Eight Diagram Pole Fighter and Masked Avengers. That would have been in August 2018.
unlabelledView post →We're kicking off our "Farewell to 1403" series on Jan. 9 with MOUNTAINSIDE—filmed throughout Seattle including @scarecrowvideo.bsky.social & the Grand Illusion itself. Q&A with writer/director (& GI projectionist) Mikiech Nichols! grandillusioncinema.org/film/mountai...
unlabelledView post →Got to watch this last night at Grand Illusion Cinema. Massively inspiring. Not a documentary so much as a curation of shows recorded by DC teens like Jim Spellman, Geoff Sanoff, Sohrab Habibion, and [checks notes] Lance Bangs. Guy Picciotto might be the coolest man to ever live.
unlabelledView post →It's been too long since I've been to movie. Need to hit up Grand Illusion or something soon
unlabelledView post →Local movie theater time! Show me your cute fav place to watch. 📽️ This is the Grand Illusion in Seattle.
unlabelledView post →RE: https://mastodon.social/@filmfreakmafia/117316714839355843 this is amazing news! been a proud member of the Grand Illusion for many years. The Varsity has been where i have seen A LOT of unique films in my time in Seattle, including: https://letterboxd.com/film/leather-jacket-love-story/ […]
unlabelledView post →Dead Calm @ Grand Illusion Cinema / SIFF Film Center #nowwatching
unlabelledView post →> Grand Illusion I remember that movie. Yes, von Stroheim. He wasn't evil in "Grand Illusion" though, as I remember. Just a pafos commandant with his own codex of honor. Never saw films he directed, but he is quite rememberable actor. He kept his single role throughout all movies I saw him in. Pafos guy in uniform.
unlabelledView post →Gotcha! Yeah this film would make a great double bill with Grand Illusion
unlabelledView post →Banned for years in both Italy and Germany and hailed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a film that anyone “who believes in democracy” should see, Jean Renoir’s “Grand Illusion” (1937) is a movie of such significance that it was intended to be the Criterion Collection’s first DVD release.
unlabelledView post →Seattle’s legendary Grand Illusion is pairing up with SIFF Film center for this! #RobertDuvall
unlabelledView post →For the 55th year running, the Grand Illusion is screening “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this time at Northwest Film Forum (1515 12th Ave, Seattle). Shows run from Thurs., Dec. 18, through the 24th. Admission by donation. Visit grandillusioncinema.org for showtimes. #grandillusioncinema, #nwfilmforum
unlabelledView post →🚂 Porter Film Festival returns with Edwin S., Chaplin, Keaton and the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra 🗽 Row House offers some slices of the immigrant experience 💰 Pgh Classic Movie Club is around town with The Thomas Crown Affair and Grand Illusion 2/2 www.pghcinema.com/listings/4p3...
unlabelledView post →Film: The Grand Illusion Book: Slaughterhouse Five Song: War Pigs
unlabelledView post →
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