The Real Inglorious Bastards

Quentin Tarantino's movie "Inglourious Basterds" centred around a team of Jewish (largely Jewish-American) soldiers who operated behind enemy lines, killing any Nazis they could find. This is a documentary on the real Inglorious Bastards - Jewish agents for the American OSS (Office of Strategic Services), sent in as spies into Nazi-held territories. Some of these spies were German Jews, returning to avenge the wrongs committed against their people and free Germany from the Nazis. Some of their deeds surpass even the fictional feats in Tarantino's movie.

Pretty interesting, though not entirely compelling. Told in a conventional linear fashion and without much in the way of frills, the telling is pretty dry. The feats, however, of the people involved are quite amazing - you couldn't make this stuff up.

Quite heroic some of the endeavors. The interviews with the surviving agents are also quite illuminating.

I thoroughly liked this documentary. These men were heroes. Brave beyond belief. This documentary may seem dry because we Americans like hot action, but understanding that it was people like these men who soldiered on that helped win the war. The level of fear and understanding of what could happen if they were caught and how many other people would be affected is overwhelming. All the quiet towns people who carried messages and aided as they could were incredibly brave. I don't think people today appreciate the fear the Nazi's struck into the World's heart. The loss of democracy was worth fighting for.

While this may not be an A-movie in production values, I must say that it was beautifully done and had an A-movie story to tell. I am in awe. Well done.

Brilliant documentary, nicely interspersed with recreations, of the true story of Operation Greenup. As a WW2 fanatic I was absolutely glued to it the whole way through. The courage and desire of these men was unbelievable. The early days of the OSS ( forerunner to the CIA) where the men virtually picked and suggested their own missions was exciting stuff. These men were true patriots who did everything for their love of freedom and their detestation of the Nazis. They really did change the course of history and helped to shorten the war. Fred Mayer especially was an absolute hero and his torture in Nazi controlled Innsbruck was an incredible act of survival and will. Nicely done.

This story is historic and told so well. The interviews with the real "bastards" are phenomenal., especially Fred Mayer. The role one soldier played in WWII is unbelievable. One soldier, Fred Mayer, changed the course of WWII. I love the archived footage and interviews.