The Rape of Europa

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The Rape of Europa

2006

1h 57m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

In addition to being some of the worst war criminals in history, Hitler and the Nazi regime were also among the most prolific art thieves. During World War II, the Third Reich ordered the destruction of thousands of pieces of art from "inferior" cultures and the theft of thousands more. This documentary explores the effects of the cultural destruction perpetrated by the Nazis across Europe, and examines the ongoing struggle to recover and return the stolen art.

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Critics Consensus

The Rape of Europa grapples with a subject that's vast and powerful enough to fill several films -- and emerges with a story as fascinating as it is infuriating.

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Richard Nilsen

Arizona Republic

It's long for a documentary, almost two hours, but it has a big story to tell.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 6, 2008

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Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

This is a vast subject, ideally suited to a series of films. It's at its most moving when focusing on the small stories of individual artworks taken from their owners and restored to the families decades later.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 8, 2008

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John Monaghan

Detroit Free Press

As thorough as the movie is, it could easily devote another hour to cases like this.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 1, 2008

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Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

[C]ompels attention and sustains interest as an examination of Adolf Hitler's obsession with claiming Europe's art masterworks for the "master race."

Rated: 3/4

Jul 18, 2014

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Louis Proyect

rec.arts.movies.reviews

Outstanding documentary on the theft and destruction of European masterpieces up to and during WWII.

Oct 16, 2008

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Kam Williams

NewsBlaze

A fascinating history lesson about a generally-overshadowed aspect of the Second World War.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 22, 2008

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Audience Member

Very excellent documentary about the plundering of the arts of europe by the Nazis, and the return of most of it. Well documented with videos and photos of the time. Excellent narrative that brings us back. Must see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Frances H

Excellent documentary.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/10/16

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Audience Member

Very educational and tells of the side of the war that many don't consider

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

This is an amazing documentary how the Nazis looted art throughout Europe. The documetnary is well edited and beautifly narrated by Joan Allen. It describes in great detail how famous works of art were stolen from museums and wealthy jewish families throughout Europe. If you love art lover and history this film is a must see. Sadly, most people in the theatre were in their 70's or 80's. This movie should be seen by younger generations to learn and understand history. Great interviews, pictures, and storytelling.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

This has been on my watch list for some time, but has manged to fly under the radar -- so glad I finally bumped it up! A great look at the Nazi pro-art movement, the personal stories of those who lost art, the approach taken by governments to protect art, and the search and recovery of relics after battle - including looks at some of the members of the group that became the "Monuments Men." Anybody who enjoys art and/or WWII should check this out; or do what we have and view it in conjunction to seeing The Monuments Men. 4.5 stars

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

A happy, sad documentary. Some "pre Monument Men" items. It was a fascinating historical view on this subject.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Richard Berge

Director

Nicole Newnham

Director

Bonni Cohen

Director

Richard Berge

Writer

Nicole Newnham

Writer

Bonni Cohen

Writer

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Synopsis

In addition to being some of the worst war criminals in history, Hitler and the Nazi regime were also among the most prolific art thieves. During World War II, the Third Reich ordered the destruction of thousands of pieces of art from "inferior" cultures and the theft of thousands more. This documentary explores the effects of the cultural destruction perpetrated by the Nazis across Europe, and examines the ongoing struggle to recover and return the stolen art.

Director: Richard Berge, Nicole Newnham, Bonni Cohen
Producer: Richard Berge, Bonni Cohen, Nicole Newnham
Screenwriter: Richard Berge, Nicole Newnham, Bonni Cohen
Production Co: Actual Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 10, 2013
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, Dolby SR

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