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Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was Maurcel Ophul's

Le Chagrin et la Pitié / The Sorrow and the Pity (1969)

This four hour plus documentary covers French experience of WWII and the German occupation.

I have often wondered how people made choices. What was it like?

This film gives some answers or, at least, some generalities. Participants are interviewed thirty years later. Time has dimmed some's memory. Others are still defensive about their collaborative role.

The guy in the photo, a farmer now, started an underground group in his wine cellar. He is great to listen to.

Straight history is given with many German film clips, newsreels and other material.

I have a special interest in this stuff as I have read the Alan Furst novels of that time and place. This gave me a special slant on it.

I have only watched the first half which focuses on the underground side.

Part II, tomorrow, will focus more on the side of those who went along with and even served with the German army.

It is worth seeing. Very good. I would not want to slog through it again though. That makes it a 4 out of 5 so far.

Labels: best films