From 1940 to 1944, France's Vichy government secretly worked with Nazi Germany. The film combines old footage with 1969 interviews of a German officer and individuals who cooperated with the Nazis, as well as those who resisted. They discuss the reasons behind the collaboration, including anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and fear of communism. The film features an extended interview with Pierre Mendès-France, who was imprisoned for opposing Vichy and later became France's Prime Minister.
The Sorrow and the Pity
A nuanced portrayal of France's complex history unfolds as the film delves into the varied emotions and perspectives of the French people in the aftermath of their country's surrender to Nazi Germany.
