MovieChat Forums > Fortunes of War (1987) Discussion > Daily Life of British in Bucharest 1940

Daily Life of British in Bucharest 1940


I'm enjoying this movie. But I question the British characters'(and other's) seeming unconcern much of the time of the threat of impending violence. Daily life is normal--Live music in the hotel lobby, dining with friends, drinks, slow walks in the streets, etc.

Yet there is news of military engagements. Iron Shirts march in the street. Russian troops invade somewhere. I would want to leave Bucharest as quickly as possible. As it is (in the movie) they wait til the last moment and then do the same delayed excape again in Athens.

Of course, we have the advantage of historical vision; we know the German forces in a few months will be swooping down all the way to the Mediterranean. The characters in the movie did not have our advantage.

My question is the following: does this movie present a fairly accurate view of daily life of the British and others in Bucharest at that time in 1940? Hmmm. I just realized that to answer my question authentically a person would have to be at least 90 years old or be a history scholar.

Well, I'm glad to read any one's consider thoughts on my question. Thank you ahead of time.

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I say yes it does ... and if you read your words you answered your question. Hind site is indeed 20-20!

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Olivia Manning based the novels on her own experiences as the wife of a British Council lecturer in Bucharest, so presumably the general atmosphere is authentic.

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