Watch The Girl Who Wore Freedom

The Girl Who Wore Freedom is a breathtaking documentary film directed by Christian Taylor and released in 2019. The movie tells the story of the remarkable impact that the people of Normandy felt after the liberation of France in WWII by American soldiers. The story is told through the voices of the French people themselves. They each detail their own haunting experiences of war and liberation, and provide an intimate look at the lasting impact that these events had on their lives. The film features firsthand accounts of the Normandy invasion; for example, an old farmer who remembers seeing paratroopers jumping out of planes into the fields around his home or wartime veterans who relive their horrific experiences from D-Day.

What is especially poignant about the film is the way that it hones in on the experiences of ordinary French people who were not actually on the front lines. They tell of their fear and desperation, their love of country, and their gratitude to the Americans who liberated them from German occupation.

At the heart of the documentary lies the personal story of American veteran Robert Wright. His original mission in France was to provide supplies to the troops. However, as he and his fellow soldiers moved through Normandy, they began to recognize the dire needs of French people. They shared food and medical supplies with the French people, often at great risk to their own safety.

Through interviews with Wright and others who were there, the film captures the sense of camaraderie and compassion that developed between the French people and their American liberators. They learned to trust each other and became close friends, forging a deep bond that has endured for over seventy years.

The film features a wealth of wartime footage and photographs that are skillfully interwoven with the interview excerpts. The footage gives viewers a glimpse into the violent and turbulent times that marked WWII. The images of bombed-out buildings, emaciated prisoners, and the dead are intercut with quieter moments of daily life under occupation, such as tending to crops or walking in the countryside.

Perhaps the most powerful moments in The Girl Who Wore Freedom are those where the French people share their thoughts about America and their view of Americans. It is clear that they see America not just as a country, but as a symbol of freedom and hope. One interviewee notes that “America is like the sun, it is a source of light for the world.”

Sharon Anderlik, Andy Barnett, and Ceo E. Bauer all turn in fantastic performances, as do the people who share their own stories of liberation. They each bring a sense of authenticity, passion, and heart that help to draw viewers into the narrative.

Overall, The Girl Who Wore Freedom is a must-see documentary that explores the complex relationships between two countries in a time of war. It is a poignant, moving, and deeply human story that honors the sacrifices of those who fought and died on both sides, and celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship that were forged on the battlefield. For anyone interested in history, war, and human connection, The Girl Who Wore Freedom is an unforgettable documentary that is not to be missed.

The Girl Who Wore Freedom is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.