The Last Mitterrand is a captivating portrayal of the compelling and complex Francois Mitterrand. Equally, it is a consummate tale of power, idealism, history and memory.

Rising to power in 1981, when socialism was in its death throes elsewhere in Europe, Mitterrand led France's first socialist government until shortly before his death in 1996.

Based on a book by Georges-Marc Benamou, Robert Guediguian reveals Mitterrand through the statesman's conversations with a young, left, ideologue, Antoine Moreau. Somewhat in awe of the president, Moreau is a journalist researching a biography of the president at his behest. He spends the last months of the president's life in his company, conversing with him on his politics, beliefs and past. He determinedly seeks the truth of Mitterrand's early association with Nazism and the Vichy government. Mitterrand suffers no false modesty and is proud that he's never been nailed for alleged misconduct during those years.

Guediguian is not overly concerned with verisimilitude in this riveting film, but evokes events to enable a more open reflection on power and truth, and to illuminate the real man behind the statesman.