Mourir à Madrid

It is rare to see such unanimity in comments, and I can only add my 10/10 to the list. I first saw it in 1961 at the Larkin Theater in San Francisco. I was fortunate to catch it on British TV many years ago and taped it - poor quality but better than nothing. Not only is it a wonderful film but it has been influential in shaping the political and social outlook of several generations, as is evident from the comments above. The Spanish Civil War ended seventy years ago but the passions it stimulated still persist. As in any war, it is easy to find heroes and villains (which is which depends on your political point of view) but, also as in any war, one can also see victims. They are poignantly evident in this great film.

I saw this film 40 years ago--it was the first I saw that did more than merely entertain. It's a movie for those who ponder larger issues. I recall the contagion to the viewer of the spirit of those fighting for liberty, and the hope for the future, unfortunately only to finish in futility.

As I recall, the opening scene was of a peasant walking a burro along a road--the ending scene was exactly the same, denoting that despite the fervor of many, sometimes nothing much changes in this world. I thought it was genius to depict the futility in this way.

First caught this documentary back in the early seventies at an art-house, and beyond my political beliefs at that particular moment, it filled me with sadness. Sorrow for the opportunities lost, for the needless cruelty, for the unnecessary deaths, for the destruction of the hopes of a nation. Nor victors neither vanquished enjoyed nothing but pain, exile, hard work, and tyranny, some of them or all. And, of course, death everywhere.

I do have the DVD, french language with Spanish subtitles. Last night I foolishly decided to watch it again, only to find myself with my soul filled with grief, and on the brink of crying (and I'm 50).

Having had the opportunity to know well the Spanish people, as well as too many an expatriate since '39, I must praise this chef d'oeuvre beyond all criticism. It's simple, it's linear, it's predictable, it's sometimes a little corny, and it's profoundly TRAGIC, as it retells forever the tragedy a a most beautiful country and its bloody self-sacrifice.

To Die in Madrid,follows a documentary filmed in 1938, released in 1939 The Spanish Earth. Both documentaries chronicle the Spanish Civil War. From Andre Segovia's guitar in the background,to the voices of Irene Worth and Sir John Guilguld, it's wonderful. To Die in Madrid is a testament to the first anti-fascists as the veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade refer to each other. I recommend both documentaries to any one that is interested in the roots of WWII. I am also looking for a copy of To Die in Madrid in VHS format if anyone knows where i could purchase, please contact me through the above e-mail address. Thank you.

Saw it as a young girl, and it changed my life. It was shown in an art-house as part of a double bill, with Guns of August - about World War I. I was prompted learn move about the Spanish CIvil War, became more committed than ever to populist movements and cherishing of life.

I have ever since been a passionate fan of political documentary. In recent years docs are intended to 'educate with facts'. Facts are meaningless without heart and a vision of what makes life beautiful. I yearn for the return of this type of documentary instead of the talking heads that dominate now.

WHY ISN'T THIS OUT OF DVD OR VHS? An outrage.