John-Kane25

It blends current film with historic footage seamlessly. We are shown actual film from Kurt Gerron's movies. Gerron became a famous German actor but didn't have the looks for a lead man, so he became a director. One of the best of his time.

Then the Nazi's came to power and started to round up the Jews. Gerron moved from one country to another that was still out of reach of the Nazi's. Eventually as the German's overran Europe, Gerron ran out of time to flee to America. He was sent to the Terezin Concentration Camp. This camp had some of the most talented people in Europe. They were forced to perform for Nazi elites. Many were singers, dancers, actors, etc........

The documentary is tragic of course, but since the most horrific acts are told about and not shown, it isn't as heart wrenching a film to view as say, 'Escape From Sobibor'.

This movie has a good heroic story but it never builds up much tension. If caught at any point in time, Fusia and the 13 she hides would all be executed. Most of the time the suspense of this is lost. People from the camp come by themselves at night, they arrive at Fusia's apartment and that is that. Only a couple times is there a sense of the danger involved.

One can tell the budget is low because after the battle between the Russians and Germans, the town is virtually 'new' looking. No signs of the battle. For the type of story this is, the path through danger is too soft.

This is a dialogue laden movie that covers a lot of ground. There is enough material to cover three movies really. The escape from Cyprus to Palestine could be a single movie. Yet Exodus continues on to the point when the United Nations votes to partition Palestine. Then it briefing covers the Arab's trying to drive the Jews out after the UN vote.

The movie never flags over its 3 hour plus length. It makes a very complicated event in history understandable and shows the human suffering and anguish caused by a people with no place to call home.

The length of the movie may give some pause. I suggest watching it in two parts. Try pausing it once the Exodus ship reaches Palestine. Then watch the rest later on.

I don't understand the knocks on this movie for not showing more of the Arab/Jewish conflicts after Israel becomes a state. That would require another 3 hours. Also, the movie was made in 1960, so it couldn't possibly show what happens in 1961 or later.

I have a copy of the film that was one of a 3 film set. The other two films were 'Battle of Britain' and 'A Bridge too far'. I had no idea what 'Exodus' was about and it turned out to be perhaps the best movie of the three. Just keep in mine the heavy dialogue with only occasional action in 'Exodus'. You have to appreciate it for the type of movie it is.