I agree - spare and understated.
"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

I agree. Also, I can't get over how amazing Melville's direction is.

Let's not be beastly to the Germans.
"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

Those beastly huns.
Marlon, Claudia and Dimby the cats 1989-2005, 2007 and 2010.

Well, whenever I see the humble Tommy Atkins playing a game of cards, I always make sure to check how they write out their scores..continental '7's and I immediately reach for my chopper.
"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

I flinch every time I see a pepper pot.
Marlon, Claudia and Dimby the cats 1989-2005, 2007 and 2010.

they aren't the big in-your-face-type of heroicsthey tended to be, in this film, just
quiet acts of self-sacrifice and committed dedication to the cause, no matter what the outcome would be
This is what defines a hero to me. Someone who stands firm with courage in their hearts.
Wouldn't mind seeing other films about the subject matter, due to seeing this one.
You could try Melville's Le Silence de la Mer. I didn't like it I have to say but it deals with ordinary people resisting the Nazis as best they can. Rossellini's Roma Citt Aperta seems to me allied to this film. I'd also recommend Went the Day Well? The latter is a British production made at the height of WW2 as a propaganda piece and shows how the people in a sleepy village defend against fifth columnists. It's surprisingly gritty and violent, which was unexpected.
I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.

@PoppyTranfusion
Just saw this film myself, and really thought the cinematography was impressive, even though it mostly seems to have been shot in dark blue or gray colors. Didn't mind, because it looked beautiful anyway. Enjoyed the film, and how realistic it was, compared to other films. its lack of flashiness compared o the average war film, and its length is what probably got it dismissed when it first came out. Been wanting to see this since it was rediscovered back in 2007, and glad I did.
About the heroicsyou're rightthey aren't the big in-your-face-type of heroicsthey tended to be, in this film, just quiet acts of self-sacrifice and committed dedication to the cause, no matter what the outcome would beeven if that same outcome was absolute certain death at the hands of German officers. I liked the characters too, and how dealt with the day-to-day activities of being in the Resistance and how that gradually takes its toll on them physically and emotionally. Wouldn't mind seeing other films about the subject matter, due to seeing this one.

Overall a good review except I disagree with this -
they do not make heroic acts that make audiences clap
. I guess it depends on the audience but the actions of Jean-Francois and Felix made me clap. Upon reflection the sacrifices made by all made me clap, especially Mathilde. The characters of this film define the word hero that gets applied erroneously to characters who do and escape unbelievable things and act most floridly.
Movement ends, intent continues;
Intent ends, spirit continues

uh huh

Agree. Amazing film.

This comment is most likely authentic and fairly close to what I intended to say