Rent Days of Glory (2006)

Pulsating war drama that asks some tough questions - Days of Glory review by Kurtz

General de Gaulle’s appeal to the French colonies to help liberate France from German occupation in the Second World War was answered by thousands of men who had never set foot in France and who came to learn at first hand about the ambivalent attitude of the colonial powers towards the “foreign” soldiers who fought alongside their men. It’s an excellent film which takes a cool look at notions of equality and race whilst delivering some gripping battlefield sequences amid the shattered landscapes of occupied Europe that echo the ending of “Saving Private Ryan.” At first the men are anonymous in their battle fatigues but by the end, as the unit is thinned down in time-honoured style, you care much more about their fate than their military masters seem to.

Xenophobically passionate - Days of Glory review by JD

Few war films really capture the full flavour of the second world war. They are either too dramatic / heroic or their focus is too much about personality. This has the perfect balance of emotions. The oppression of overseas conscriptions is the second layer of the plot that keeps the film compelling but for me it is the very real feeling of being in a chaotic battle situation with death randomly about and a sense of helpless under-preparedness. Fierceomly well acted.

Decent if Fragmented War Story Featuring North Africans in French Army - Days of Glory review by PV

This film tells the little-told story of the members of the colonies who fought for the European powers against Nazi Germany.

The end of this film (no spoilers) reveals some shocking information. A necessary film to make.

As a film it is rather fragmentary and bitty, all leading up to the final campaign in France. (Alsace).