WWII

I have been fascinated with this time period lately.  I'm not sure why exactly, but I just can't get enough!

I have been watching documentaries, movies, reading books all about different aspects of this war. There are incredible people, Winston Churchill, General Patton, Eisenhower, and President Roosevelt. Others I'm just beginning to discover.

The Ghost Army

• During World War II, a hand-picked group of American GI's undertook a bizarre mission: create a traveling road show of deception on the battlefields of Europe, with the German Army as their audience. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops used inflatable rubber tanks, sound trucks, and dazzling performance art to bluff the enemy again and again, often right along the front lines. Many of the men picked to carry out these dangerous deception missions were artists. Some went on to become famous, including fashion designer Bill Blass. In their spare time, they painted and sketched their way across Europe, creating a unique and moving visual record of their war. Their secret mission was kept hushed up for nearly 50 years after the war's end.
  - Written by Rick Beyer

A while back Dennis was telling me about this documentary that he watched.  I was fascinated that artists were sought out for this special mission.  It was the first things to open my eyes to art and war.  It would not be the last.

I was reading a biography about Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, and I learned that during WWII he served with a unit that created films for the military.  They were usually instructional videos, but I had no idea this was done.  Another example of artist during war. Then of course all the propaganda posters and things.  for good or bad they were a huge part in the war effort.

The Monument Men

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 by FDR with going into Germany 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 these guys - seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the M-1 - 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 their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements. 

Release date: February 7, 2014 (USA)

Director: George Clooney

Running time: 118 minutes

MPAA rating: PG-13

Story by: Robert M. Edsel, Bret Witter

This movie got me thinking about my exposure.  I am beginning to believe that the more exposure we experience to those things that are uplifting and good in this world the fuller our lives are. I was amazed at the offensive and defensive in motives, and strategy for art during the war. Why was it that the first things to be destroyed when conquering a people was their histories. Very impressive.  I also remembered learning about the spe

The Rape of Europa

"The Rape of Europa" is a documentary about Adolf Hitler, Hermann Göring and the Nazi's large-scale theft of European art--and the Allies effort to preserve and return it. In a journey through seven countries, the chronicle takes the audience into the violent whirlwind of fanaticism, greed, and warfare that threatened to wipe out the artistic heritage of Europe. For twelve long years, the Nazis looted and destroyed art on a scale unprecedented in history. But young art professionals, as well as ordinary heroes, from truck drivers to department store clerks, fought back with an extraordinary effort to safeguard, rescue and return the millions of lost, hidden and stolen treasures.

Release date: September 14, 2007 (USA)

The Rape of Europa was really interesting.  I've seen lately how valued artist were, from their secret missions of deception, to the "Monuments Men".  I thought I knew so much about it because, we hear so much about it, but wow!!  I had no idea the Nazi's were "collecting" art.  I had no idea that Hitler studied art himself.  Some of the first things they destroyed when conquering a country was their histories, monuments, architecture, artwork.  Amazing to me.

The King's Speech

After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue. After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill, the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.

Release date: September 6, 2010 (USA)

Director: Tom Hooper

Screenplay: David Seidler

Awards: Academy Award for Best Picture

MPAA rating: R, PG-13

I watched "The King's Speech", not realizing that it was rated R.  Which was such a shame because it was a great film. Justifying the rating because it uses the "F" word, albeit as part of his therapy because he doesn't stammer when he swears.  And you kind of know it's coming, so it doesn't feel like swearing really.
 I thought of this quote, from Harry Potter. 
"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well." 
— J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7))

I've been interested in seeing the movie Schindlers List for some time now.  It's also rated R for obvious reasons. But I really want to see it to see the good that people do during horrific times.  I think it would be inspiring.