By late August of 1945, Allied forces that had broken out of the Normandy beach head in July were racing across France and were approaching Paris. It was their intention to bypass the city and continue their push toward Germany. French Partisan fighters rose up against the German troops occupying their capital, but lacked the strength to quickly dispatch their enemies and take control of the city.
Adolph Hitler had ordered the Paris commander to blow up or burn much of the city before leaving it, and the Germans set explosives and prepared to follow those orders. Learning of this, Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower gave the go ahead to Charles de Gaulle's French forces to take Paris, but their ability to prevent the city's destruction was in serious question.
In 1965, the Collins/ La Pierre historical book, "Is Paris Burning?" was published and became a best seller. A movie of the same title was released the following year. This book describes in broad detail how the situation in Paris developed and how it ended.
Almost half a century later, Zeitgeist Films released "Diplomatie". This film focuses on the dramatic interchange between German commander Von Choltitz, who felt compelled to carry out his Fuhrer's orders, and Swedish consul Nordling, who hoped to change his mind.
The acting and the dialogue of these two main characters is a tense and captivating debate. Rarely do contemporary films focus so intently on a non-violent confrontation between adversaries. The acting is excellent, the script top notch, and the attention to period detail marvelous. This is an outstanding motion picture.
Adolph Hitler had ordered the Paris commander to blow up or burn much of the city before leaving it, and the Germans set explosives and prepared to follow those orders. Learning of this, Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower gave the go ahead to Charles de Gaulle's French forces to take Paris, but their ability to prevent the city's destruction was in serious question.
In 1965, the Collins/ La Pierre historical book, "Is Paris Burning?" was published and became a best seller. A movie of the same title was released the following year. This book describes in broad detail how the situation in Paris developed and how it ended.
Almost half a century later, Zeitgeist Films released "Diplomatie". This film focuses on the dramatic interchange between German commander Von Choltitz, who felt compelled to carry out his Fuhrer's orders, and Swedish consul Nordling, who hoped to change his mind.
The acting and the dialogue of these two main characters is a tense and captivating debate. Rarely do contemporary films focus so intently on a non-violent confrontation between adversaries. The acting is excellent, the script top notch, and the attention to period detail marvelous. This is an outstanding motion picture.