Avenue of the Giants

I am so happy I got to see this wonderful movie at a local film festival. The movie is a unique and personal perspective on the Holocaust through the eyes of a survivor who kept his experience a secret for fifty years. It is extremely powerful without being heavy handed. I went with my 14 year old daughter and it was appropriate and educational for her and led to curiosity and discussion for our entire family. Given the state of the world today this movie is extremely timely. By focusing on one individual's story, as opposed to WWII or the Holocaust generally, the film has a deeply intimate feel which makes it extremely special.

I knew Herbert Heller as a quiet gentle man who owned the store where I bought most of my children's clothes. This well-crafted and well-acted movie revealed his secrets in a compelling way. I would urge everyone who wants to see a different kind of Holocaust movie that ends with hope, to see this one as soon as it's available. I didn't realize that many of the contemporary scenes in the movie were shot in Marin, in a small town with big redwood trees everywhere. Local landmarks are somewhat recognizable, although I have yet to locate the awesome redwood trees where several scenes take place. Then there are the sights in Europe, some of which were also, sadly, familiar. The difficult scenes in the movie seemed essential to the story and not gratuitous. Sadly, the ill treatment of some humans by others has not yet abated in our world. Maybe this movie will restore some humanity in our world.

Such a well done, touching and inspiring story. Meaningful for all viewers, young or old, of any faith or not, with a hopeful message based upon the lives of real people forced to deal with overwhelming challenges.

It is an uplifting movie, which also reminds us of the goodness of people, even in the face of inhumanity.

The acting is straightforward, if anything understated, with clear dialogue that rings true.

Filmed in Northern California, including the redwood forest, as well as Czechoslovakia and the World War II concentration camps, it is visually understated and beautiful at the same time.