“Why WWII Tales Endure”

Intrigued with Rickey Gervais’ comment to Kate Winslet, “I told you, do a Holocaust movie and the awards come, didn’t I?”, writer Addie Morefoot explored the popularity and critical acclaim of WWII films in her 2009 piece, “Why WWII Tales Endure.” Morefoot explained that for years both Hollywood and foreign country’s cinematic industry have been producing films based on WWII or the Holocaust. Coincidently, many of these films have be nominated and/or won many awards. However, Morefoot’s interviewees argue that even though film critics may have a general interest in WWII/Holocaust film, it is the quality of these films that earn their critical acclaim. Supporting the interviewees’ claim are several factors. First, WWII/Holocaust movies tend to have higher budgets. Also, the films explore themes of morality in a highly emotional and action-packed storyline. Lastly, the tales come out of a rich history that is not only real but are also recognizable worldwide. Consequently, WWII/Holocaust films are not only popular amongst film critics but general audiences. One such example is "Winter in Wartime" (Netherlands), which out- grossed "Twilight" and "The Dark Knight" in the Netherlands. Filmmakers will continue to make WWII/Holocaust films not only because of their financial success and critical acclaim but also because of the education value that each story has to offer.

Works Cited

Morfoot, Addle. "WHY WWII TALES ENDURE." Variety 416.13 (2009): A1-A5. Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text. EBSCO. Web. 13 Apr. 2010.