The Sorrow and the Pity (Le Chagrin et la pitié, 1969)

The last time Germany tried to take over the world, they made the French look really bad by winning The Battle of France in, like, two days. The French responded by making a documentary about it 25 years later.

Honestly, I thought I knew this era, but this film gave me an education. Here's the deal: when it comes to the French Occupation, everyone is guilty. Regular people are guilty of not joining the Resistance. Those in the Resistance are guilty of joining just to look good. Nazis are guilty of sucking.

So if you're looking for a big comedown of a film in which it turns out everyone has done the wrong thing, this is your baby. And get out your darning, because this bitch is over four hours long!


"Hitler, you totally rock! Thanks for invading our country!"