The Monuments Men movie is set during World War Two. It has an all star cast headed by George Clooney. Clooney also directed the film and co wrote and produced it with Grant Heslov. It it certainly not the typical war production that focuses on action, guns and battles. Instead this thoughtful story tackles a topic that is hugely important but gets very little publicity.
Set in 1943, at the height of the second world war, the story is based on historical facts. All the names have been changed but the viewer is still watching the lives of real people as they lived and died in a quest to track down some of the greatest works of art in history.
After the outbreak of the war Hitler's German war machine marched over much of Europe. Small countries like Belgium and Holland did not stand a chance and were occupied almost immediately. Even France proved no match for the massive forces that rumbled towards them and half of their territory became occupied. On Hitler's order officers began to seek out and loot valuable works of art including pictures, sculptures and much more.
The main character of the movie played by Clooney begins to understand that by the time the war is over Europe will be left with very little of its art treasures. In fact, the entire face of Western Civilization could be lost. He approaches the US president for permission to set up a special team of treasure hunters. In collaboration with the British the team heads to occupied Europe and begins their work.
It quickly becomes clear that the extent of the problem is far greater that they had imagined. Not only is it becoming clear to everyone that the allies will most likely win the war, the Russian army is advancing across eastern Europe. The Russians are also on the trail of lost art works, but they have no intentions of returning them. Instead, they consider anything they can find the spoils of war and are quickly shipping it back east.
Theater goes will be happy to see a host of familiar faces. In addition to the hugely popular Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Bill Murray also star as American officers involved in the rescue efforts. Hugh Bonneville of Downton Abbey fame is excellent as the British member of the team.
One particularly poignant scene is when the team find a cache of hidden art treasures, that also contains a bag of gold fillings extracted from the mouths of concentration camp victims. It emphasises to the shocked viewer that people were reduced to the status of objects and even after death their bodies were desecrated.
Not only is the film very well made it also has an excellent story line. Some reviewers have commented that by trying to move in too many directions it can be a little hard to follow. Yet the message is very powerful, people are more that their nationality. Wars can never be fought without causing massive damage to so many innocent victims. Viewers will be left with the knowledge that art is a central part of our society and should be protected and preserved for all to enjoy.
Set in 1943, at the height of the second world war, the story is based on historical facts. All the names have been changed but the viewer is still watching the lives of real people as they lived and died in a quest to track down some of the greatest works of art in history.
After the outbreak of the war Hitler's German war machine marched over much of Europe. Small countries like Belgium and Holland did not stand a chance and were occupied almost immediately. Even France proved no match for the massive forces that rumbled towards them and half of their territory became occupied. On Hitler's order officers began to seek out and loot valuable works of art including pictures, sculptures and much more.
The main character of the movie played by Clooney begins to understand that by the time the war is over Europe will be left with very little of its art treasures. In fact, the entire face of Western Civilization could be lost. He approaches the US president for permission to set up a special team of treasure hunters. In collaboration with the British the team heads to occupied Europe and begins their work.
It quickly becomes clear that the extent of the problem is far greater that they had imagined. Not only is it becoming clear to everyone that the allies will most likely win the war, the Russian army is advancing across eastern Europe. The Russians are also on the trail of lost art works, but they have no intentions of returning them. Instead, they consider anything they can find the spoils of war and are quickly shipping it back east.
Theater goes will be happy to see a host of familiar faces. In addition to the hugely popular Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Bill Murray also star as American officers involved in the rescue efforts. Hugh Bonneville of Downton Abbey fame is excellent as the British member of the team.
One particularly poignant scene is when the team find a cache of hidden art treasures, that also contains a bag of gold fillings extracted from the mouths of concentration camp victims. It emphasises to the shocked viewer that people were reduced to the status of objects and even after death their bodies were desecrated.
Not only is the film very well made it also has an excellent story line. Some reviewers have commented that by trying to move in too many directions it can be a little hard to follow. Yet the message is very powerful, people are more that their nationality. Wars can never be fought without causing massive damage to so many innocent victims. Viewers will be left with the knowledge that art is a central part of our society and should be protected and preserved for all to enjoy.
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