The Sorrow and the Pity

The Sorrow and the Pity, directed by Marcel Ophüls, is a compelling blend of history and documentary, released in 1969 and now available on Sundance Now. This influential documentary film meticulously delves into the dynamics, choices, and emotions of the French populace under the Occupation during World War II. The film masterfully combines interviews with official documents and archived footage to paint a vivid and comprehensive picture of the era.

With over four hours of content segmented into two parts, The Sorrow and the Pity punctuates individual French stories through its multifaceted narrative. The film does a remarkable job examining the period from a variety of perspectives, focusing not only on those who resisted German domination but also those who collaborated, revealing the profound intricacies of human behaviour during such testing times.

The first part, titled "The Collapse," scrutinizes the early responses to Germany's invasion of France. It delves into the reaction of the French government, which, in a bid to preserve sovereignty, chose to cooperate with Germany following its military defeat in 1940. This deep insight into the start of the Occupation sets a comprehensive stage for the gradual narrative development throughout the documentary.

The sequel, entitled "The Choice," focuses on the moral dilemmas confronted by ordinary French people under the Occupation. It highlights their daily struggles and choices, influenced by an array of factors, including patriotism, survival instincts, and ideological affiliations. It probes the tension between resistance and collaboration that defined numerous individual destinies during this tumultuous time.

One of the key strengths of The Sorrow and the Pity is its honest and candid portrayal of the human condition under duress. Ophüls' indulges in detailed conversations with a broad spectrum of individuals, ranging from resistance fighters to French civilians, former German soldiers, British spies, and even war criminals. These interviews offer viewers an extraordinary glimpse into the personal lives, sentiments, experiences, and reflections of people from different societies, backgrounds, and affiliations during the war period.

The film also critically evaluates the myth of widespread French resistance during the Occupation, illuminating how the country was divided into collaborators and resistors. It offers a nuanced understanding of the broader societal and personal factors that influenced people to either resist or collaborate with the occupying forces.

The Sorrow and the Pity is a unique artistic masterpiece that drives the viewers to introspection, forcing them to think about the individual and collective realities that played out amidst the whirlwind and horrors of World War II. The film doesn't shy away from raising uncomfortable questions about morality, patriotism, bravery, and betrayal. Rather, it turns a spotlight onto the universality of these themes, allowing them to resonate across geographical boundaries and socio-political contexts.

Throughout the film, Ophüls maintains a balance between showcasing individual experiences and portraying the broader socio-political climate of the time. He carefully steers away from sermonizing or judging his interviewees, preferring to let their stories and testimonies speak for themselves. This approach renders The Sorrow and the Pity not only an exploration of history but also a deep examination of human nature.

Even though The Sorrow and the Pity was made over 50 years ago, it remains relevant, stirring, and profoundly moving today. The film's examination of humanity under extreme duress, its explorations of morality and individual choices, and its unique form of storytelling are universally appealing aspects that have ensured its enduring popularity. Its presentation of the French experience during World War II is an enlightening experience for those interested in history, documentary filmmaking, or humanistic insights.

In conclusion, The Sorrow and the Pity is more than just a historical documentary. It's a thoughtful introspective journey into the fabric of human nature woven into a past societal backdrop. With its vivid testimonial style of storytelling, innovative direction, and nuanced depiction of the complexities in human behaviour, it will leave viewers mulling over the essence of morality, survival, nationalism, and personal choice during the most challenging circumstances.