Alexander Rivinius Along with "The Sorrow and the Pity" (from same director), this is definitely one of the most gripping and informative documentaries you will ever get to see. Focusing of the life of the Klaus Barbie, a ruthless SS interrogator later labeled "The Butcher of Lyons", implicated in over 4000 deaths and the deportation of over 7000 Jews in occupied France, this documentary not only paints a relentless picture of the German occupation in France, but also of the 40-year manhunt of a Nazi war criminal. Employed by the American government after the war for his contacts, and later protected by several other governments eager to use his "talents", Marcel Ophuls exposes a complex web of political intrigue and deceit that spans over decades. While some spectators seemed to get a bit lost having absolutely no prior knowledge about European war history not involving an American elite team saving the world, just knowing that France was occupied by Germans during WWII and that legendary French Resistance Leader Jean Moulin was one of Barbie's many victims should be enough to follow and understand this must-see documentary just fine!

classickai I had been considering renting this documentary from my video store for some time now, but I am glad I happened to notice it at the video section in my local Library. I only wish I hadn't bothered to watch it at all...This documentary film is virtually incomprehensible to a viewer without specific knowledge of the background to Klaus Barbie and the situation in Lyons, France, during the war. Several rambling interviews are pieced together without much, if any, explanation of the figures being discussed.From the other reviews I've read here and elsewhere, apparently the film becomes "better" near the end. I won't bother to find out for myself whether that is true or not.(To those brave enough to wade through the entire documentary, I have one tip: Watch the subtitled sections at double-speed -- it'll save you time.)

guyb As an affectionado of WWII movies, I was excited to discover this documentary at our local library. However, the problem I had with it was that I needed help understanding the background of this part of WWII. I know a lot about this period, but not about occupied France. For the length of this movie, you would have thought they could have spend a few minutes getting us all up to speed. What's the prerequisite for this course?

matt-81 The film is very good but sags in the third hour. However, you must stay with it. Take a break, have some coffee, and come back. I saw this film a good five years ago, but the final few sentences were so moving I remember them still, word for word. It must be seen. We're talking hot tears and goosebumps.