The Rape of Europa (2006)

The Rape of Europa is an engaging documentary that unfolds like a drama. It was very interesting to watch after having seen The Woman in Gold and The Monuments Men.  But the story about Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer is only a small part of the film.  The film is very comprehensive, spanning from before WWII to the present day, and covering many different perspectives--American, German, Italian, Russian, French, Polish, etc.  As a consequence, the film features interviewees speaking all different languages.  Aside from an interesting look at history, the film affirms the importance of art and culture to our humanity.  It explains and rationalizes the painstaking care taken to preserve Europe's treasures amidst a deadly war characterized by destructive firebombs. And it praises the efforts of those lovers of art who protected these cultural icons so we could continue to admire them today.