Inglourious Basterds (2009)

The mere name of director speaks a lot about the film itself. “Inglourious Basterds” was directed by sadistic Quentin Tarantino, who loves scenes full of blood and death. Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger and Melanie Laurent portrayed main characters.

The film is almost a parody to war films. It is quite amusing and enjoyable. If you want to watch semi-serious non-historical film full of blood and cruelty, then this film is for you. But if you cannot watch films that are not based on historical facts, then do not watch it. It is totally useless.

The film was nominated for numerous awards and I do not understand why. Of course, Tarantino is a talented director and the film is good. But good is not enough even for nomination and in my opinion, most of those accolades/ nominations were quite exaggerated.

The film starts with original, sad, cruel, shocking scenes in which Shosanna Dreyfus’ (Melanie Laurent) whole family hiding underneath the floor of farmer’s house gets killed by Nazi. Nazi colonel, cruel and cynical Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) lets Shosanna escape. It takes place in France in 1941 during World War II.

Then we move to American Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), who leads team of Jewish-American soldiers to enemy country in order to kill and scare off German officers. Lt. Raine tells his soldiers that they each owe him 100 Nazi scalps.

Our main good characters never meet, but they fight for the same purpose. When we meet Shosanna again, she is an owner of cinema and her new name is Emmanuelle Mimieux. Unexpected turns and twists gather all our good characters and many high-ranking Nazi officials including Hitler in Shosanna’s cinema. This gives her an opportunity for revenge.

I enjoyed Waltz’s performance, though was surprised to see how his well-worked out character was spoilt and destroyed in the end. Tarantino turned him from gruesome killer into silly and naïve commoner and this is where he made a mistake. Lt. Raine’s moustache and false accent were annoying, but worked well with his character.

You will definitely enjoy this film in the company of your friends. Do not take it serious!

Reviewer’s rating: 7.0 out of 10

Sarah's key (2010)

The original French title of film is “Elle s’appelait Sarah” (Her name was Sara). I adore the same name novel by Tatiana de Rosnay and enjoyed its film adaptation. In my World War II films list about Jew victims, it stands next to “The courageous heart of Irena Sendler” (2009) after “Schindler’s list” (1993). This is interesting, sad, beautiful film that will leave impression in you for a long time.

Though I am sensitive about Word War II victim issues, I have to admit, that I did not know about Vel' d'Hiv Roundup before this film. Vel' d'Hiv was an indoor "Winter Velodrome" bicycling racetrack and stadium, where number of Jews of France were kept after mass arrest named Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in 1942 and sent by railway to Auschwitz for extermination.

In the notorious Vel' d'Hiv Roundup, Sarah is a 10-year-old girl (Mélusine Mayance) who locks her little brother Michel in a closet to avoid his detention. She tells him to say there until she returns and takes the key with her. Sarah and her parents are taken to the Vel’ d’Hiv. When a woman tries to escape Vel’ d’Hiv, Sarah wants to give her the key, but her father is against it. After she succeeds, he regrets that he has not given the key. He tells guards about his son in the house, but no action is taken.

They are transferred to Beaune-la Rolande camp. Sarah is able to escape with a friend, Rachel through the hole underneath the fence. After so long, with elderly couple’s help Sarah is able to reach her house and closet. But unfortunately it is too late. In present days, the same house is inherited by the husband of journalist Julia (Kristin Scott Thomas). Julia investigates Sarah’s story.

I do not think this film is for children and therefore good for family, but it is a great watch in the company of friends. You will enjoy it, and be prepared for tears.

Reviewer's rating: 7.5 out of 10