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.
During the Nazi occupation of many European countries many officers began to take art treasures. This included priceless paintings, sculptures and much more. By 1943 it was widely known that on Hitler's orders massive number of valuable treasures had been taken. Some were heading for the Fuhrer's own collection, others to his planned museum in Linz and others to the private collections of his officers including the head of the Luftwaffe Hermann Goering.
Both the British and American governments were aware of the large scale looting and realized that something had to be done. It was becoming clear that the Allies were most likely going to be victorious, even if the end of the war was still years away. But what would that victory be worth if most of the art treasures of western civilization were lost for ever.
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.
The movie has been praised for its excellent scenes and locations. To keep things as authentic as possible much of the film was shot on location in Europe. Audiences can enjoy scenes set at historically accurate British air force camps. Every effort has been made to maintain the seriousness of the message, whilst adding a little humor and some great actors.
The film does an excellent job of shedding light on a typically forgotten aspect of the war. It is based on true events and characters. It also shows younger audiences that art and history do matter. The poignant ending is very well done and leaves the audience with plenty of food for thought.
The screen play was developed from Robert M. Edsel's excellent book that told the true story of the real treasure hunters during the war. It is the perfect opportunity for viewers to learn about one of the forgotten aspects of war. It also does a good job of showing the fate of many Jewish people at the hands of the brutal Nazi regime.
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.
During the Nazi occupation of many European countries many officers began to take art treasures. This included priceless paintings, sculptures and much more. By 1943 it was widely known that on Hitler's orders massive number of valuable treasures had been taken. Some were heading for the Fuhrer's own collection, others to his planned museum in Linz and others to the private collections of his officers including the head of the Luftwaffe Hermann Goering.
Both the British and American governments were aware of the large scale looting and realized that something had to be done. It was becoming clear that the Allies were most likely going to be victorious, even if the end of the war was still years away. But what would that victory be worth if most of the art treasures of western civilization were lost for ever.
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.
The movie has been praised for its excellent scenes and locations. To keep things as authentic as possible much of the film was shot on location in Europe. Audiences can enjoy scenes set at historically accurate British air force camps. Every effort has been made to maintain the seriousness of the message, whilst adding a little humor and some great actors.
The film does an excellent job of shedding light on a typically forgotten aspect of the war. It is based on true events and characters. It also shows younger audiences that art and history do matter. The poignant ending is very well done and leaves the audience with plenty of food for thought.
The screen play was developed from Robert M. Edsel's excellent book that told the true story of the real treasure hunters during the war. It is the perfect opportunity for viewers to learn about one of the forgotten aspects of war. It also does a good job of showing the fate of many Jewish people at the hands of the brutal Nazi regime.
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