Review: The Monuments Men

Adapted from: The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter, The Monuments Men chronicles how in 1944, The United States government embarked on one of the most impressive, inspired assignments its history.  The Roosevelt administration sanctioned a World War II platoon to go into Germany and rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return the artifacts to the rightful owners.  These seven men (mostly made up of museum directors, curators and art historians) found themselves in a race against time to save over 1000 years of culture.

See, apparently Adolf Hitler masterminded to house the pieces in his “FührerMuseum”. The Führer Museum was an unrealized museum complex planned for the Austrian city of Linz to display art stolen by the Nazis throughout Europe during World War II.  This mission would not be without its obstacles, as Hitler instructed the German Army to destroy everything in the event that the Reich fell from power.

It is always refreshing to see a film enlightening a part of history that I had not been aware of.  George Clooney, (who also directed, wrote the screenplay and starred in the film) has often produced films regarding American historic events.  Thank goodness he does!  Clooney assembled a first rate cast to re-enact this moment in history which proves to be quite entertaining  and heart-wrenching all at the same time.

I, for one, am soooo appreciative that these men put their lives on the line, so that the world could still enjoy Michelangelo, Picaso and many more.

Check it out  for yourselves and be educated…