A heroic tale of those who risked their lives to save a Gothic medieval gem of French Catholicism. The burning Notre-Dame Cathedral can be seen as a symbolic exclamation point marking France’s spiritual decline. If the burning Notre-Dame awakened the conscience of even one French person, then this fire had a purpose.

The film’s opening shows Notre-Dame Cathedral during its restoration. The focus is on Notre-Dame as a cultural monument and a spiritual landmark of France. When the fire breaks out, it takes some time before those in charge begin to take the alarm seriously, rather than dismissing it as a false alarm.

Once it becomes clear that Notre-Dame is actually on fire, panic ensues not only inside the cathedral but also in the streets of Paris.

Firefighters are slow to join the fight against the blaze. It is not easy for them to navigate the crowded streets of Paris. Another problem arises when the firefighters try to get water to the areas where the fire is burning. Intense heat, thick smoke, and old pipes complicate the entire rescue operation.

Alongside the firefighting efforts, there are people dedicated to saving important relics from inside the cathedral, as well as, for example, a priest rescuing the consecrated hosts containing the Body of Christ. Particular emphasis in the rescue of relics is placed on Christ’s Crown of Thorns, kept within the depths of Notre-Dame.

Unfortunately, the situation is not developing well at all, and there is a risk of serious structural damage to the entire cathedral. More and more people are gathering in front of the cathedral to pray and sing hymns calling for the salvation of the heart of the French Catholic Church. Miraculously, the rescue of Notre-Dame—a cathedral dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Christ—did not claim a single human life.

The fire broke out in the cathedral’s roof on April 15, 2019. Approximately 400 firefighters worked to save Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Drama / Action / Disaster

France, 2022, 110 min

Crew: Jean-Jacques Annaud;

Cast: Samuel Labarthe, Jeremie Laheurte, Élodie Navarre, Pierre Lottin, Jesuthasan Antonythasan, Chloé Jouannet, Maximilien Seweryn, Kevin Garnichat;

Parents Guide

One scene featuring female firefighters changing clothes while wearing bras.

Approximately 1 instance of taking God’s name in vain, a few instances of saying “damn.” The swear word “idiot,” 1 instance of a middle finger gesture.

Several intense scenes featuring firefighters battling a fire in dangerous conditions—particularly the scene where the cathedral’s vault collapses, and debris strikes a firefighter inside the cathedral.

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