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The Sorrow and the Pity [1969]

Director: Marcel Ophuls
Format: Black & White PAL
Released: 18 Oct 2004
RRP: £24.99
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Customer Reviews

Great subject...shame about the subtitles - By: tc61, 08 Jan 2008
If you are a native English speaker with only a rudimentary knowledge of French as I have, you will struggle with this film. This version was made for English speakers as the subtitles are only when the French or Germans are speaking. But, for some reason, the subtitles drop off or malfunction about 25% of the time. This leaves a very frustrated viewer as entire subjects can be left hanging.
The subject matter is excellent though some of the interviews are a bit drawn out. Very artistic filming of those being interviewed which helps make the four hours interesting.
A Masterpiece - By: M. Mabberley, 18 Jul 2005
A film that inspired so many other directors & often referred to as one of the great films of alll time, Le chagrin et la pitié, to use the film's French title, was made for French television in 1968 by Marcel Ophüls but the broadcasters refused to show it, so disturbing were the contents thought to be. Ultimately it received a limited release, mainly being shown in "art house" cinemas where it's reputation spread. The film was eventuallly broadcast on French television in 1981.

This masterpiece, running at over 4 hours & divided into two parts dealing with the occupation of France & the choices made by the French people during the occupation, is a time capsule. Consisting mainly of interviews, interspersed with archive footage, the film was made when the participants - French, German & British - were still alive & the memory of the events still fresh in their minds. Their stories - the collaboration & the resistance, the attitudes & perspectives of real people - render this period of French history together into a profound & thought provoking film that will give alll who see it pause for thought. Historical amnesia benefits no one.

The subtitled film is divided into two clear halves conveniently split over 2 DVDs. This edition includes an interview conducted in 2004 with the director.