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WWII drama directed by Rachid Bouchareb, depicting the plight of the North African troops enlisted to fight in the French army between 1943 and 1945. Despite the fact that the four young Arabs around whom the story centres have, in effect, been called up by one colonial oppressor to fight another, they say goodbye to their families in Algeria, Morocco and Senegal and willingly step forward to take up their arms. But all find themselves shockingly discriminated against by bigots within the French army, and deprived of the few rights and privileges to which new recruits are entitled. Bouchareb's powerful and persuasive film was instrumental in French prime minister Jacques Chirac's decision to compensate all North Africans who fought in World War II by unfreezing their pensions.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By GenBanks
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am very pleased with this Blu-Ray release of 'Days of Glory'- the picture is sharp, focused, and very obviously HD. I would say that the visual quality ranks as one of the best in my blu-ray collection. The battle at the beginning of the film, with paned out shots of large numbers of infantry attacking a hill, looked stunning. I definitely recommend buying this on Blu-Ray instead of DVD.
As for the film itself, I think this has taken its place as one of my favourite war films. It sheds light on a side of WW2 which has very rarely been explored, and it educates the viewer on the topic of race relations within the ranks of the French military with sensitivity and very naturally- it is not melodramatic, the characters feel like human beings and not actors- which makes it all the more shocking and powerful. It's one of those films where the full emotional impact sinks in in the days after watching it. It's interesting to see the conflict through the eyes of Algerian soldiers- the second world war is seen as such a good versus evil, unambiguous conflict that the situation of the colonial forces is difficult to grasp.
Truly, this film will make you think. It's powerful, sad, well-acted, stunning in high def and an essential purchase for anyone's blu-ray collection.
As for the film itself, I think this has taken its place as one of my favourite war films. It sheds light on a side of WW2 which has very rarely been explored, and it educates the viewer on the topic of race relations within the ranks of the French military with sensitivity and very naturally- it is not melodramatic, the characters feel like human beings and not actors- which makes it all the more shocking and powerful. It's one of those films where the full emotional impact sinks in in the days after watching it. It's interesting to see the conflict through the eyes of Algerian soldiers- the second world war is seen as such a good versus evil, unambiguous conflict that the situation of the colonial forces is difficult to grasp.
Truly, this film will make you think. It's powerful, sad, well-acted, stunning in high def and an essential purchase for anyone's blu-ray collection.
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By Edelbee
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The comparisons that are continually being made between this film and Saving Private Ryan are completely inept. This is a far superior film in all respects. The story is more credible, being based closely as it is on the actual experiences of French North African colonial troops rather than, as is the case with Ryan, consisting of a schmalzed up version of a story loosely inspired by a real life incident. The story is gripping and intensely moving as it follows the fates of a group of colonial troops who have enlisted- for a variety of reasons- to free their supposed motherland from the Nazis. Some enlist for money, others for adventure and some out a sense of genuine idealistic patriotism. A rude awakening awaits each and every one of them. The film can be viewed and enjoyed as an adventure movie and also as a disquisition on the inherant folly and flaws of colonialism. These men - and their real life counterparts in both the French and British empires- gave their loyalty and their lives for mother countries that undervalued, despised and ultimately rejected and spurned them. I defy anyone to watch the final scene of this film without being brought to the brink of tears. French cinema at its very best.
38 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The terrible, apparently ironic, English title and regular comparisons to Saving Private Ryan do this film no favours. Unlike the Spielberg film, Debouzzel's film engages the mind as well as the heart. It makes interesting and subtle points about the relationship between the coloniser and the colonised. The "message" that most people took from this film, including, famously, the French government, was that France had treated those who had fought for France disgracefully; indeed this film led to a change in government policy which is an outcome not many films achieve. For all its underlying seriousness this a compelling film to watch (more than once); several of the performances are outstanding and the cinematography is breathtaking. This is war film for even those who "don't like war films".
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
So World War 2, and everybody is fighting side by side against a common and hated enemy...nice idea, but it was never that way, and this film highlights this fact brilliantly. Four Algerian men, none of whom have ever set foot upon French soil, heed the call for troops to help liberate what to them is seen as the Motherland. Enlisting without any real thought about what they are doing this for apart from some barely realised idea of duty and honour, the men soon discover that racism exists, even in war, and even from your own side. Regarded with derision (the term "wogs" is used frequently throughout the film) by their own side and their own officers, the men are treated differently and although they fight the same fight, dodge the same bullets and shed the same blood, they are never really recognised for what they are...decent men fighting a horrible war for a country that unfortunately regards them as second class citizens.
The four main characters are superbly realised as living, breathing human beings with hopes and fears just like the rest of us.... Read more ›
The four main characters are superbly realised as living, breathing human beings with hopes and fears just like the rest of us.... Read more ›
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
WOW: What a film.
And WOW: there's some really harsh reviews on here, for what I thought was and excellent war film. How strange, and undeserved (look at the DVD reviews - it has 4 and a half stars overall, while at the time of writing this, the Blu Ray release, has 2?).
So, first of all, take it from me; this is a good film. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly - this is a good war film.
I love war films and it's refreshing to have seen this, as recently I've watched lots and they've all been a huge let down (Defiance for one, Max Manus: Man Of War, and although a series and not a film, Generation Kill spring to mind as a few Turkeys I've watched in the last few months) so it's good to have been 'blown away' (no pun intended) by this little gem.
For starters it focuses on Muslim soldiers from Algeria, fighting in the French army, against the Nazis - that in itself makes a nice difference to the usual, war films from the British (or worse still American) perspective and gives an interesting angle and perspective to a a genre of film we've all seen a billion times and generally can guess what's going to happen in them a mile off.
But the Muslim angle isn't the only way it's different: it's different too in the fact that there's really something innocent about the soldiers we follow (this is a theme that's nothing new in war films - boys fighting as men etc - innocent lives ruined) But for some reason, the piety, innocence and naivety of these few soldiers was different and incredibly touching. Even more upsetting. Take for instance, the fact that one of the men enlisted only had one arm, a bit of a simpletone froma small village - yet he still enlisted to help 'free the Mother land' - a place he'd only ever heard of in songs.... Read more ›
And WOW: there's some really harsh reviews on here, for what I thought was and excellent war film. How strange, and undeserved (look at the DVD reviews - it has 4 and a half stars overall, while at the time of writing this, the Blu Ray release, has 2?).
So, first of all, take it from me; this is a good film. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly - this is a good war film.
I love war films and it's refreshing to have seen this, as recently I've watched lots and they've all been a huge let down (Defiance for one, Max Manus: Man Of War, and although a series and not a film, Generation Kill spring to mind as a few Turkeys I've watched in the last few months) so it's good to have been 'blown away' (no pun intended) by this little gem.
For starters it focuses on Muslim soldiers from Algeria, fighting in the French army, against the Nazis - that in itself makes a nice difference to the usual, war films from the British (or worse still American) perspective and gives an interesting angle and perspective to a a genre of film we've all seen a billion times and generally can guess what's going to happen in them a mile off.
But the Muslim angle isn't the only way it's different: it's different too in the fact that there's really something innocent about the soldiers we follow (this is a theme that's nothing new in war films - boys fighting as men etc - innocent lives ruined) But for some reason, the piety, innocence and naivety of these few soldiers was different and incredibly touching. Even more upsetting. Take for instance, the fact that one of the men enlisted only had one arm, a bit of a simpletone froma small village - yet he still enlisted to help 'free the Mother land' - a place he'd only ever heard of in songs.... Read more ›
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true masterpiece
In short: A true masterpiece, and a part of history that was kept away from us when we learned about WWII in school. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Yazz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent realism, good production and direction
This is a very good film with excellent realism throughout. In fact I would go as far to say that then end fighting sequence is one of the best I have seen. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Reive's Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
good film
I purchased this as a birthday present for a relative. They love any war film and assure me this was excellent
Published 2 months ago by Mr. Gary M. James
1.0 out of 5 stars
Mix of silly propaganda and proposterous combat scenes.
The blatant propaganda messages of this film are not only unreasonable, but also contradict themselves throughout. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Prof TBun
5.0 out of 5 stars
glynting
really enjoyed this film, good storyline with characters that you come to care about as the film progresses.the battle scenes are realistic but not over the top. Read more
Published 14 months ago by TING
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thinking mans war movie - 4.5 stars
When I first started watching this I was to say the least a little underwelmed. But this developed into a minor classic amongst war movies. Read more
Published 14 months ago by S J Buck
5.0 out of 5 stars
'Days of Glory' is a remarkably passionate Involving and heartfelt...
UNCUT REGION 2 DVD
(THE FILM)
The critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated war epic Days of Glory is a chronicle of courage and sacrifice... Read more
(THE FILM)
The critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated war epic Days of Glory is a chronicle of courage and sacrifice... Read more
Published 14 months ago by S. F. husseiny
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Drama and Story, Not so Great Battle Scenes
This follow a groups of Algerian men's quest to liberate the motherland France by joining the army in 1943 even though they've never been their. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Hagrid's Umbrella
4.0 out of 5 stars
DAYS OF GLORY
I was shocked when I played film it was not in ENGLISH it was in French ; Arabic with Subtitles English that's I've given why four stars Amazon as it ENGLISH I'd buy book if I... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mr. L. J. Jones
4.0 out of 5 stars
New angle on a traditional war film
A strangely old fashioned war movie unfolds around this worthy subject matter. It's a reasonably good picture; well crafted with realistic action sequences and an interesting topic... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Shrewlord
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