The Monuments Men

Rating: Null/10 (24 February 2014)

Overall, I am quite surprised at the weak ratings that The Monuments Men, is getting from both critics and audiences. I personally really liked it a lot. No, the film is not action packed with a lot of violence, or explosions, or things like that, and I for one was glad that it wasn't like that. The film wasn't action packed, but I did not find that it had a slow pace, or was boring whatsoever. Instead, I found the film which was based on real people and a true story and events to be respectful and thoughtful about these people, their mission and the subject in general. We get to know the characters a little bit and get to like them and the actors who play them all do a really good job here. The film also looks great and it's attention to detail for that time period is also very impressive. I found the film interesting on a number of different levels. The second world war aspect of the film was interesting enough, but I also found the story of these men who went in and tried to uncover these various pieces of stolen art masterpieces to be equally as interesting and that is more or less where the film places it's focus. I think because I love art and respect it, that the whole art recovery and search part of the film intrigued me and just seeing these masterpieces stolen and later being searched for was intriguing to me. I also liked how the film kept everything low key and did not overly elaborate, or embellish things making it feel more realistic and less like a major Hollywood film. If this had been filled with action, explosions and a lot of violence, I do not feel that it personally would have worked. Instead we have a much quieter and gentler film which is more sensitive to both the subject of the war and also has it's appreciation of art and these men deeply embedded in it's appreciation in this film. I personally cared for the characters in this film and the mission they were on and I really did want them to uncover and find all this stolen art. Whether they do or not, I will not give away for those who have not seen the film. Overall, I was very impressed with the film's look, tone and quiet and yet respectful treatment of the subject. Some may find it slower moving and may be a bit disappointed with it, but I found there more to take in and appreciate with the film being that way. I hope more people give The Monuments Men, a chance because I personally found it to be great and I know that there is an audience out there who will think the same as I did.