Django

This film covers mostly 1943 as well as a bit in May, 1945 at the end. So, obviously this film is not Django Reinhardt's entire life story. It's a shame but I can certainly understand why they chose this path. If you want to know more about the man, check Wikipedia and go from there.

The film picks up in the middle of WWII. Django is a big star in Paris and is even loved by the occupying Nazis. What makes this so unusual is that he was one of the Romani (aka Gypseys) and they were hated and persecuted by the Reich. Additionally, he played swing...a style music associated with black Americans...a group also despised by the German government. Problems develop when the Nazis insist he do a tour of Germany and Django is worried he'll never return. So, they decide to make a run for it. The movie is all about this period of time.

The film is something I really appreciated because tons of films have been done about the Jewish Holocaust. These are excellent films but the Romani were also gassed in large numbers and I can't think of a single film that covers it other than this one. It makes for a sad viewing experience...but also a masterfully crafted one well worth your time.