olsontd-1

Many "based on a true story" films make fictional additions so that the viewer does not how to separate fact from fiction. Based on my reading of biographies and the Johns Hopkins website commentary, this film seems truer than many others claiming to deliver the truth about events in the film. This film may not be perfect in truth-telling, but it is stunningly accurate in portraying the actual events and the nature of the relationship between the main characters. It also in captures the mood of the times, the transformation of the attitudes of the two protagonists, and the outcomes of the challenges they faced. It is a story enhanced by the fact that the characters' names are real, and their interaction documented. A glorious film regarding the tragedy of segregation and the resilience of real people.

If a great movie consists in a great story, strong character development, significant character transformations and conflict resolutions which are grounded in beliefs, commitments and values, this movie is exemplary on all counts. The movie presents humans as moving from bitterness and despair to compassion and hope. It even shows how humility and confidence go together. Religious belief is seen as central to the story and is respected. Taking God seriously is shown to be a practical and realistic approach to the sorrows that can be experienced and the joys that are possible. In short, the story neither ridicules nor ignores the value of values that affirm the meaningfulness of human experience and the difference of living a life of high quality and the destructive alternatives.

This portrayal of Danish rescuers of Jews in World War II is the fictional story of how one family's world was turned upside down when the Nazi occupiers in Denmark (since 1940) moved against the Jews of Denmark in violation of their own agreement with Danish leaders that the Jews in Denmark would be left alone. In the fall of 1943, the Germans plotted to gather the Jews of Denmark for deportation on a Jewish holiday evening when the vast majority of Jews would be at home. Jews were so well integrated in Danish society, that no public government records identified the religious affiliations of the population. Thus, the Nazis had to steal the records from Jewish organizations in order to know where to find them. The story illustrates the surprise and refusal of many to believe a round up of Jews would actually take place. The pace of the movie is neither plodding nor frenetic. The tension builds and is enhanced by the bewilderment and on-the-spot decision-making by a specific family and their would-be rescuers. Having read the 1955 book, "October 1943", by actual rescuer Aage Bertelsen, I resonated with virtually every incident faced by those at risk. Although this is not a polished film by modern film-making standards, the content and context of the events is accurately presented. A major strength of the movie is the extensive on- location filming in Copenhagen, and the use of Danish actors.