Uriah43
Due to the initial success of the Nazi war effort in France, Poland and other European countries certain art enthusiasts get together and offer a plan to the President of the United States to build a small military unit to go to the front lines and recover all of the valuable paintings and sculptures they can before they are shipped off to Germany. Naturally, with the overall victory over Germany and Italy still in doubt there aren't many resources available to them and the task at hand is extremely dangerous as well. However, their efforts are rewarded to a certain degree when a man named "Frank Stokes" (George Clooney) is given the authority to assemble a squad to carry out the mission. To that effect, he gathers various art collectors and enthusiasts that he can trust and together they venture into France, Belgium and even Germany in order to acquire the treasures before the Germans can hide or destroy them. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an interesting film in large part because it was based on a true story. Having said that, however, I must admit that there were some scenes that seemed a bit contrived and unrealistic. Be that as it may, that's not to say that I necessarily disliked this film and all things considered I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
namashi_1
Loosely based on the non-fiction book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel and Bret Witter, 'The Monuments Men' is a well-crafted & mostly engaging film by George Clooney, that wins over its flaws. While the Writing's tone shifts abruptly at times, the fine cast & deft direction by Clooney keep the goings-on thoroughly watchable.'The Monuments Men' Synopsis: An unlikely World War II platoon is tasked to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their owners.'The Monuments Men' is based on a true-story about war heroes who went near the war-zone to save creative masterpieces. You'd ask who goes out there in the middle of a bloodbath for sake of art? These heroes did! Why? Because Art defines humanity & how Art stands tall for its time & beyond. 2 of its heroes even lost their lives while on their mission & guess what, their sacrifice wasn't only to save art, but also humanity that lies beneath the masterpieces we talk about to date. Be it Michelangelo's Madonna or an Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece to name a few, remain as Artful & are considered as Creatives Masterpieces. And these heroes made sure they remained among us, despite the violence & menace all around them. Now that's Heroism!And it helps that the cinematic motion-picture about these heroes is bought to life by Oscar-Winning Film Giant - George Clooney. Keeping the pace moving & his direction consistently deft, Clooney delivers a film that offers some inspired laughs & a number of fascinating moments, that win you over. Of course, Clooney & Grant Heslov's Writing isn't always tight & the tone shifts from light to dull at times, but overall, this is a fascinating story that you might have not even heard of, but should experience, to respect its heroes. Clooney knows his job & while he can Write better, he sure knows how to direct & create an atmosphere for its subject matter. Phedon Papamichael's Cinematography, Stephen Mirrione's Editing, Alexandre Desplat's Score & the Excellent Production Design, merit a special mention. Performance-Wise: Clooney delivers, yet again! He delivers an entirely committed performance, that never hits a wrong mark. Matt Damon is terrific, as always. Its nice to see this versatile actor indulge himself in a strong supporting role. Cate Blanchett is extra-ordinary. Her sequences with Damon, stand out. John Goodman & Bill Murray deserved meatier roles & lines, but add to the narrative by just appearing here. Bob Balaban is top-notch. Hugh Bonneville & Jean Dujardin leave a mark. On the whole, 'The Monuments Men' is definitely watchable.
thekarmicnomad
I was dragged kicking and scream to watch this by my girlfriend. I used to like WW2 films, "Cross of Iron" and "A bridge too Far" were firm favourites growing up.But modern WW2 movies seem dedicated on making really bad versions of "The Magnificent Seven". From "Saving Private Ryan" to "Fury" to "Red Tails" it all boils down to our band of heroes having to defend some ridiculous objective against a horde of incompetent, suicidal Nazis.Monument Men is not like that. It tells the story of Allied special agents sent to recover, protect and return works of art.The characters are likable and interesting, and very human. There have been at least a few flourishes of artistic licence (for instance who would go to the effort to design a land mine that explodes when you step off it?)I don't know the true story but this seems believable enough to me and I was gripped right up to the very end.It goes without saying the affects and production are very high quality. Against my initial feeling I would highly recommend this.
