Watch Chichinette: The Accidental Spy

Chichinette: The Accidental Spy is a 2019 documentary film that tells the amazing story of Marthe Cohn, who, while in her late 80s, shares her incredible journey as a spy during World War II. The film opens with Marthe Cohn telling her own story - she was born in Metz, France, in 1920 and was part of a Jewish family that lived in Germany before fleeing to France in the early 1930s. As a young woman, Marthe was a talented linguist and spoke five languages fluently, which would later prove to be an asset in her career as a spy.

The documentary's director, Nicola Alice Hens, skillfully intersperses footage of Marthe as she is today, with archival photos and footage from Marthe's early years. The film uses animation to help tell Marthe's story, adding a creative and engaging element to the documentary. Through Marthe's own words and the stories shared by her family members, we learn about her life growing up, how her family survived the war, and how she became a spy for the French army.

Marthe's unlikely journey from a shy and retiring girl to a spy who risked her life for her country is an inspiring story. After her sister was taken by the Nazis, Marthe trained to become a spy for the French army, sneaking behind enemy lines dressed in a nurse's uniform. She relied on her skills as a linguist and a quick thinker to blend in and gather intelligence. The missions Marthe describes in the film are harrowing, yet she tells them with a calmness that comes from a lifetime of keeping her experiences bottled up inside.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is Marthe's relationship with her husband, Major Cohn, who was also a spy during the war. The two met while serving in the army and remained married until his death in 2006. It was only after his passing that Marthe began to share her story with the world, as a way of keeping her husband's legacy alive.

Chichinette: The Accidental Spy not only tells Marthe's incredible story, but it also shines a light on the importance of historical preservation and the need to listen to the stories of the older generations. Marthe's story is a reminder that we must never forget the atrocities of war and the bravery of those who fought against it.

The film also serves as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the horrors of war, Marthe's sense of humor and her unwavering faith in humanity shine through. She is a true inspiration, and her story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to make a difference.

In summary, Chichinette: The Accidental Spy is a must-see documentary that will leave you in awe of Marthe Cohn's strength, courage, and resilience. The film's powerful storytelling and stunning visuals will transport you back in time to the height of WWII, and Marthe's story will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

Chichinette: The Accidental Spy is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.