Le chagrin et la pitié
A fabulous documentary about the German occupation of France, a very honest look at what people from different walks of life, different sides of the conflict, and with different views of the right and wrongs of what happened during the war. I watched the first half of the film a few days ago and wondered quite what had been so controversial about the film, but the second half would, I am sure, have upset many. A lot of my family lived under five years of German occupation (not in France) and it was interesting to see the differences of attitudes to occupation talked about locally with those shown here.

So much guilt! Thank God Marcel Ophüls (the son of Max Ophüls) made this documentary while all these people where still alive. Yes there was something rotten in the state of French in during WW2. It was quite surprising how honest many of these people where. Shocking documentary, and just as good as I had heard.

An amazing achievement. A film that can legitimately be said to have changed how a nation speaks and thinks about its Historic
Self. The wide range of perspectives and experiences that Ophuls weaves together through his interviews provides a rich, complex and ultimately, devastating consideration of this historically traumatic national event and its direct effect on all involved.

At a purely technical level, it's also a triumph of editing. Ophuls establishes an exacting rhythm and logic to the testimonies that brilliantly constructs and sustains a wide array of contexts to contemplate this dark chapter in France's history.

For a person who loves History like myself, this documentary was certainly a treat. The use of testimonies on the first-person was a big plus and makes it all the more interesting. If you like History or the study of events related to World War II, this one is a must.

So much guilt! Thank God Marcel Ophüls (the son of Max Ophüls) made this documentary while all these people where still alive. Yes there was something rotten in the state of French in during WW2. It was quite surprising how honest many of these people where. Shocking documentary, and just as good as I had heard.

A four-hour documentary on the french city of Clermont-Ferrand during the Nazi occupation. The portrayal of the different reactions of the locals concerning the german invasion is composed in a very subtle way. Both sides, the "résistance" and the "collaborateurs" are depicted. In 1969, the film opened up a public controversy in France because the image of a whole country fighting against Nazi Germany was attacked. Indeed, this documentary has a great value in exploring and describing the roots of fascist ideology.

Le chagrin et la pitié
A fabulous documentary about the German occupation of France, a very honest look at what people from different walks of life, different sides of the conflict, and with different views of the right and wrongs of what happened during the war. I watched the first half of the film a few days ago and wondered quite what had been so controversial about the film, but the second half would, I am sure, have upset many. A lot of my family lived under five years of German occupation (not in France) and it was interesting to see the differences of attitudes to occupation talked about locally with those shown here.

Le chagrin et la pitié
I've only seen the first part of the film, but have to say how much I've enjoyed it. This is a fabulous documentary about the Vichy régime, 10/10 so far, I'm looking forward to getting the second part from Lovefilm.