Why is the 1965 movie The Sound of Music not popular in Germany and Austria whereas in the USA it was incredibly popular?

There are several reasons why "The Sound of Music" wasn't embraced in Germany and Austria as it was in the USA: Historical Accuracy: Nazi portrayal: The film's lighthearted treatment of the Nazi takeover was criticized for downplaying the gravity of the situation and glossing over historical accuracy. Germans and Austrians who lived through that period found the portrayal dismissive of their suffering. Whitewashing the von Trapps: The real von Trapp family had ties to the Nazi regime, which the film completely ignores. This whitewashing of history further distanced Austrian audiences from the film. Cultural Representation: Stereotypes: Austrians found the film's depiction of their culture to be clichéd and stereotypical, using lederhosen, dirndls, and yodeling to paint a simplistic picture of Austrian life. This felt inauthentic and disrespectful to many. Misrepresentation of Music: The film's use of Broadway show tunes instead of authentic Austrian folk music also rankled some viewers. Songs like "Edelweiss" became associated with the film rather than its true folk roots. Competition with existing narratives: Popular domestic films: By the time "The Sound of Music" appeared, Germany and Austria already had two well-received films about the von Trapp family that were closer to reality. This made Americans' romanticized version less appealing. National identity: Both countries were still grappling with their wartime past and rebuilding their national identities. A Hollywood musical romanticizing the Nazi era didn't fit neatly into that process. Additional factors: Language barrier: The film's immense popularity in the USA could be attributed to its accessibility through the English language. German and Austrian audiences might have preferred native productions. Nostalgia factor: The film resonated with American audiences for its nostalgic portrayal of family, music, and overcoming adversity. This theme may not have had the same impact on European viewers. In conclusion, "The Sound of Music" failed to connect with German and Austrian audiences because of its historical inaccuracies, cultural stereotypes, and misrepresentation of their music and experiences. While it remains a beloved classic in the USA, its legacy in its supposed setting is one of disconnect and resentment.