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The Rape of Europa

Play trailer Poster for The Rape of Europa 2006 1h 57m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Rape of Europa

The Rape of Europa

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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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Critics Reviews

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Richard Nilsen Arizona Republic 03/06/2008
3.5/5
It's long for a documentary, almost two hours, but it has a big story to tell. Go to Full Review Moira MacDonald Seattle Times 02/08/2008
3/4
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. Go to Full Review John Monaghan Detroit Free Press 02/01/2008
3/4
As thorough as the movie is, it could easily devote another hour to cases like this. Go to Full Review Joe Leydon The Moving Picture Show 07/18/2014
3/4
[C]ompels attention and sustains interest as an examination of Adolf Hitler's obsession with claiming Europe's art masterworks for the "master race." Go to Full Review Louis Proyect rec.arts.movies.reviews 10/16/2008
Outstanding documentary on the theft and destruction of European masterpieces up to and during WWII. Go to Full Review Kam Williams NewsBlaze 09/22/2008
3.5/4
A fascinating history lesson about a generally-overshadowed aspect of the Second World War. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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08/30/2016 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. See more 01/22/2015 Very educational and tells of the side of the war that many don't consider See more 03/30/2014 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. See more 03/08/2014 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 See more 02/23/2014 A happy, sad documentary. Some "pre Monument Men" items. It was a fascinating historical view on this subject. See more 02/15/2014 I absolutely loved the ending of this documentary film! See more Read all reviews
The Rape of Europa

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Cast & Crew

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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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The Rape of Europa

The Rape of Europa (2006) View more photos

Movie Info

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