8 mai 1945 La Capitulation

May 8, 1945. While the Allied troops were parading through liberated towns to cheering crowds, the Second World War was in its final, apocalyptic hours. The weeks preceding the end of the conflict would usher in a new world. The Soviets, more powerful than ever, invaded conquered territories and terrorized survivors. The last Nazi soldiers attempted to escape their inevitable fates. Throughout a continent in ruins, the Allies, viewed as heroes, were preparing for the advent of a democratic Europe. Using colorized archive images, some of which have never before been seen, the film immerses viewers into the intensity of these final events: from combats, which finally offered peace and freedom to oppressed people, to the best-kept diplomatic secrets. A victory, which also marked the first day of an historic confrontation: the Cold War. (ZED)