The Monuments Men (2014)Movies

While millions of American soldiers were fighting with the Allies to save Europe from the Nazis in World War II, a relative handful were involved in a different struggle: to protect and recover tens of thousands of the continent’s greatest art treasures looted by the same enemy.

That fascinating and inspiring, if little-known, historical chapter is recounted in George Clooney’s “The Monuments Men,’’ which brightens the normally bleak February release schedule because it wasn’t ready in time for a planned opening in the December awards-movie corridor.

Except possibly for a superlative supporting performance by Hugh Bonneville of “Downton Abbey,’’ Clooney’s low-key directorial effort is not quite an Oscar-caliber movie, though it’s...