Michael_Elliott
Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport (2000) *** (out of 4)Oscar-winning documentary takes a look at the railroad system that was used in WWII to try and get as many Jewish children as possible out of Germany. The railroad, known as the Kindertransport, ended up saving over 10,000 children and through interviews with those who used it and photos we hear about the history of the system and how it worked. Overall this is a pretty solid documentary for those interesting in the subject matter. If you're not overly interested in the subject then more than likely it's going to be a struggle to make through the entire two hour film. I think the best thing the film has going for it are some of the interviews that are full of detail and really make you understand what it was like being taken away from your family, thrown on a train and taken to either a foster family or a camp where you'd basically wait for someone to come an adopt you. Of course, the entire story isn't a happy one and as the war drug on the lives of even the "safe" children were still at risk. We hear about the political decision of England to allow the kids in and why the American government said no and refused to help in such a plan. I do think the film falls short of being great due to a rather slow pace and for the life of me I couldn't understand why I wasn't more moved by the stories. There was just something missing that kept me from fully connecting with the people involved.
doxazo
This effort will not be for everyone. But if you have a desire in life to see right prevail, to see what is good, and if you live a life of love, then you will cherish this movie. I got this movie from the local library on a lark, and immediately following the end, I went on line and ordered it. It is very well done. The producers and directors here did a perfect job. If you are looking for sex and violence, this is not for you. But if you want to learn and be truly enriched in your life, then this offering is just the ticket. I am not Jewish but after watching this I feel as if I had been born Jewish. This movie has filled a space in my heart I was not aware of. I Cr 13;8a
paul2001sw-1
The Testament of holocaust survivors is always worth hearing, lest we forget the depths to which humanity proved it was capable of sinking. In fact, the scale of the tragedy is almost incomprehensible to a privileged modern mind, hence the appeal of stories like 'Schindler's List', which focus on a few who were luckier than most: they give us an insight into the horror, without totally disconnecting from our own, more fortunate, experience. 'Into the Arms of Strangers' likewise tells a more human story than the bleakest truths, namely that of Jewish children taken in by Britain before the war. It's not a bad film, and yet to me it was not the most powerful account of the holocaust I've seen in spite of its human scale. Perhaps this is because the worst fate suffered by the rescued - the death of the families they left behind - was a burden gradually assumed, not directly witnessed, and the survivor's stories are thus that little bit more polished and analytical than in the most compelling documentary - whereas perceptions of events are static (and thus retain their quality of immediacy), our interpretations of our feelings are influenced by what happens afterwards, and even our own stories become slightly second-hand over time. Or perhaps this impression is merely created by the film-makers' slightly heavy-handed use of background music and images. In spite of the above, this is still a highly poignant and important film. We who live today should count, and guard, our blessings.
tomgoodman1
A profoundly moving documentary of the evacuation of 10,000 children, predominantly Jewish, from Europe on the eve of the outbreak of WWII. The children were evacuated from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and other areas already under Nazi domination and transported to England, that most unlikely of havens. Most of these children lost their entire families in the Holocaust. A few were reunited with their parents after the war. All suffered profound dislocation; yet, those who are interviewed here clearly prevailed. This film is at once a testament to man's inhumanity and to his/her indomitable spirit.
AD
