As you all know, I am a amateur World War Two Historian and am always on the lookout for new movies or documentaries. Here are three movies I came across recently; they are all foreign films with subtitles, but again I ask you: DO NOT let that run you off, they are really well made movies with great subject matter.
Diplomacy
A French film with English subtitles, Diplomacy is set in 1944 in Paris and is the story of a French Diplomat named Nordling trying to convince a German General named Choltitz not to follow through with Hitler’s order to demolish some of Paris’ most famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Place de la Concorde. As the Allies close in on Paris, the German General is forced to make a decision that can forever alter history. A dramatic look at an often ignored or under-stated story of WW2; How Diplomacy saved Paris from destruction.
Naked Among Wolves
Based on the novel by the same name by Bruno Apitz, Naked Among Wolves is set in Buchenwald Concentration Camp in 1945. A 3 year old Polish Boy is found hidden in a suitcase during an intake of “prisoners”. The inmates who find the boy are torn about what to do, do they turn him in or keep him a secret from the SS guards, who they plan to overthrow soon with the Russians just miles from liberating the camp? A Touching and heart-breaking look at the inhumane cruelty of War.
Secrets of War
Based on the novel by children’s author, Jacques Vriens, Secrets of War is the story of two Dutch boys during World War II whose village and friendship is severely tested by a female newcomer. This is War as seen and experienced through children’s eyes, which I think is an important aspect to understand and experience as adults.