This epic film, based on the book by Lynn H. Nicholas, is
the
story of the Nazi march on Europe, told not through
field battles,
but in battles for art. Hitler compiled a hit
list of wanted
artworks before invasions, from Leonardo in Poland to Rembrandts,
Raphaels, and Vermeers in
France, Russia, and Italy. An army of
people who wanted
to keep art out of criminal hands fought on the
other
side, including museum staffers (some died in the freezing
cellar of the Hermitage); the little-known American “Monuments
Men”; and mousy little Rose Valland, the French spy. (SIFF
Cinema, 321 Mercer St, 324-9996. 7:30 pm, $8–$10, Feb
8–14.)
