Having read the Book first & now just seen the Movie; I married the words & the visual to unlock this fictionalized version of the real horror; opening the wounds of the past.
This Book/Movie's focus is France's involvement in Hitler's raison d'être - specifically; the Vel' d'Hir Roundup in German-occupied Paris.
But the kindness of strangers with great risk to their own lives; made the misery depicted; a vote for humanity & the telling easier to bear.
But the Key to this story is how vital "The Key" is to Sarah. It's a Woman's Story; it's a Man's Story; it's a Child's Story - unlocking the mystery of a life hardly lived.
What wouldn't any human do to save themselves from Extermination; but would feel worse if they couldn't save their little brother?
The film develops between 1942 & 2009, alternating between the past & the present - where Actress Kristen Scott-Thomas appears as a Journalist who had plans to move into the same apartment where Sarah's story begins.
When she discovers that Sarah was the only family member who managed to survive the Death Camp; she sets out to find her & is so moved; fights to save her own unborn child & calls her - Sarah.
Author
The Book was written by Titiana de Rosnay, the Film written by Serge-Joncour & Director Gilles Paquet-Brenner who shines his light on a truly gifted little 10 year old Actress, Melusine Mayance.
I was especially blown away by the acting of Niels Arestrup; who portrays an elderly French Farmer who hid Sarah from the Vichy Authorities after she escaped. When the Police do come to question him & his wife on Sarah's whereabouts - the hairs on your neck will fight your lump in your throat for attention.
Having walked through "Dachau Concentration Camp" in Germany as a visitor in 1975 - Nothing could be as sobering as that wake-up call.
What I took away from that experience was "Never Again"! The Mantra of Jews of that era - and echoed fiercely still today!
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
V.Corso
OS Weekend Fiction Club
Thoth
Blinddream
Procopius
Rob St. Amant
Salon.com
Comments
Rated♥