Days of Glory

This film is so powerful, it moved French President Jacques Chirac to action, said Stephanie Zacharek in Salon.com. Days of Glory tells the story of Moroccan soldiers who fought for France in the latter half of World War II, even though they'd never previously set foot on European soil. Upon watching the film, which notes that pensions for colonial fighters are still a fraction of those paid to French veterans, Chirac issued an order to pay back pensions to the North African soldiers. But even if Days of Glory hadn't influenced policy, 'œits dramatic power has enough value by itself.' The film makes a good argument, said Grady Hendrix in The New York Sun. But it's 'œmore of a petition you should sign than a movie you should enjoy.' Using all the usual war movie clichés (a coda in the cemetery, a tough officer who softens), Days of Glory is effective propaganda. Yes, it has an agenda, said Jan Stuart in Newsday. But the film adds a new and revealing facet to the World War II film canon. With a brilliant, action-packed climax and a set of well-developed characters, Days of Glory 'œexpands your range of vision with a stirring sense of urgency.'

Rating: R

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