WHY WE FIGHT PART 3 - DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Cinemavixion Review

This installment, "Divide and Conquer," from Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series, delves into the critical early years of World War II, specifically focusing on the campaigns in the Benelux region and the subsequent fall of France. Commissioned by the U.S. government, this propaganda film, like its predecessors, aimed to galvanize American resolve by illustrating the necessity of the nation's involvement in the global conflict. Directed by the acclaimed Frank Capra, who was notably inspired and challenged by Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will," the series masterfully recontextualizes enemy footage to serve the Allied cause. Narrated by the Oscar-winning Walter Huston, the film, while factually recounting events, does not shy away from the nationalist rhetoric characteristic of wartime propaganda, portraying a stark contrast between the perceived belligerence of the Axis powers and the valor of the Allied nations. The visual storytelling is further enhanced by the distinctive animation from Disney studios and the exceptional editing by William Hornbeck, showcasing montage techniques that remain influential. The series concludes with a powerful message from Army Chief of Staff George Marshall, reinforcing the ultimate goal of complete victory over the Axis war machines.