Monuments Men Series Part IV: Movie Review

I apologize for the late review for this movie. 

The Monuments Men, released Friday, stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Jean Dujardin. 

I enjoyed watching this film, mostly because I already have a passion for the subject of protecting cultural heritage.  I think the movie failed to convey the importance of protecting cultural heritage, and why men risked their lives to do so.  Maybe I could try.  In time of conflict, we lose human lives, and those who are suffering try to survive not only physically, but also mentally.  Cultural sites, art, heritage, monuments, have a meaning in our lives, and when we destroy these meanings, it destroys a part of us.  An example is the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11.  We all lament the loss of lives on that day, but we also have a physical scar with the collapse of the buildings, which were a symbol to millions (hence the target by terrorists).  This is why we chose to build a memorial tower.

I wish the film conveyed this.  During World War 11, the Hitler chose to destroy the heritage of millions while claiming the heritage of others.  Just imagine if Hitler succeeded in destroying the heritage of millions, how long would it have taken for the world to rebuild?

I will still suggest the film.  This film is mostly a feel-good movie, with some sad moments thrown in, but it is a good introduction to the subject matter, and I hope it will shed light on the destruction of sites in Syria, Egypt, Mali, and other area of conflict.