A central premise in this movie, released on Friday, is the value of art. What role does it play in society?
Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, the film is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked with going into war torn Europe to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.
It would be an impossible mission: with the art trapped behind enemy lines, and with the German army under orders to destroy everything as the Reich fell, how could the Monument Men depicted in the film - seven museum directors, curators, architects, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the ammunition - possibly hope to succeed? But as the Monuments Men, as they were called, found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk and in some cases give their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements.
You know that they succeeded as many of the pieces you see being rounded up by the Nazis, packed into trucks, and driven off, exist today. In fact, over the years I have seen many in exhibits.
George Clooney plays Frank Stokes, who convinces FDR to approve his bold mission, and gathers up the best people for the job. Rounding out his team are the art historians and architects played by Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban and, Jean Dujardin. After a brief trip to England for some basic training (emphasis on the "basic") the team sets off across the English Channel to France shortly after D Day.
The war scenes are sanitized - no Saving Private Ryan type images here. Other WWII realities are given a broad stroke as well - the halocaust is mentioned in a number of passing scenes. The focus is really on the art.
Once in France, the team splits up to cover more ground, but inside Bruges, alone, Donald Jeffries (Bonneville) is killed trying to protect Michelangelo's Madonna and Child from the Nazis that Hitler has tasked to steal.
Is it worth a life to try and save a Michaelangelo from the Nazis?
What is one man's life compared to the value of preserving the world's culture?
The Monuments Men has a lot to offer. While it's a bit of slow-burner, this true historical story combined with the chemistry of the cast and characters keeps the audience invested. And while we are dealing with the tough subjects that were very much a part of the war, the film manages to weave comedy with some genuinely touching scenes.
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