Just watched the movie today in Zagreb, Croatia. It was an international premiere with few of American students in audience and Mr. Branko Lustig as organizer. Film is short, nicely done, regarding teenage amateurs did it, with strong massage "We must remember". You see new stories of holocaust survivors (one actually had said that she was at "shower facility" expecting to get killed by gas but on her surprise, they got just cold shower), stories of German high schoolers telling their opinion on the subject, you even see one German old lady telling the perspective of regular citizen during the time of war. (This is the main reason I gave it 10/10). You rarely if ever hear other side in these type of documentaries.
Now the "less good" things. You see a lot of fear in those American kids and ignorance (history of that period). You can see this is directly connected regarding footage of liberated camps and a horrified state of inmates, and their comment. Germany was in ruins in spring of 45, all transport systems ware bombed and destroyed. Regular German civilians starved since second part of 44. There was actually very little food, and even if it was it was difficult to get it transported. It would be helpful if they used materials from Swiss red cross regarding those period. Maybe the film would be less black and white. There is still lot to learn for those kids but they showed they care and have the time and want to educate themselves and other peers. To conclude: Important is the message. Learn about things, learn from history and never, I repeat NEVER let it happen again. This film will encourage kids to learn more about the matter and to be more tolerant in their future lives.
Now the "less good" things. You see a lot of fear in those American kids and ignorance (history of that period). You can see this is directly connected regarding footage of liberated camps and a horrified state of inmates, and their comment. Germany was in ruins in spring of 45, all transport systems ware bombed and destroyed. Regular German civilians starved since second part of 44. There was actually very little food, and even if it was it was difficult to get it transported. It would be helpful if they used materials from Swiss red cross regarding those period. Maybe the film would be less black and white. There is still lot to learn for those kids but they showed they care and have the time and want to educate themselves and other peers. To conclude: Important is the message. Learn about things, learn from history and never, I repeat NEVER let it happen again. This film will encourage kids to learn more about the matter and to be more tolerant in their future lives.
