Varian's War

Amazon.com

While in Berlin in 1938, Varian Fry (William Hurt) witnesses firsthand the brutality of the Nazis as they assault Jews in the streets. Upon returning to America, he launches an effort to save artists and intellectuals whom the Nazis have designated as "degenerate." Varian's War follows Fry as he learns to navigate his way through the bureaucracies of France--which, even in its unoccupied half, was still under the watchful eye of the Gestapo. In his role as a highbrow Oskar Schindler, Fry rescued such artists and writers as Marc Chagall and Franz Werfel. Hurt, as always, gives an intelligent and subtle performance, ably assisted by Julia Ormond as an American expatriate who helps Fry set up his underground railroad. Also featuring Alan Arkin, Maury Chaykin, and Lynn Redgrave. --Bret Fetzer

Description

This is the untold story of Varian Fry (William Hurt), a forgotten hero of World War II. He built an elaborate underground rescue network that managed to save some of the most influential cultural figures of our age. He saved artists (such as Marc Chagall), writers, and scientists. The safe arrival of these treasured individuals in the United States permanently changed the face of American culture and enriched all of our lives forever.

Customer Reviews:

An American hero of the Holocaust.......2007-05-08

This little known gem of a Holocaust movie by Showtime is worth watching for its portrayal of an American intellectual, Varian Fry's efforts in rescuing Jewish artists & intellectuals trapped in Vichy France during World War Two. Although Varian's efforts were not publicly recognised until after his death in 1967, this movie showcases his heroism in a time when the US maintained a policy of neutrality in the war. Varian is played brilliantly by William Hurt and Julia Ormond shines in her role as the female assistant. The story moves along at a thrilling pace with Varian having to fend off the Nazis and the French securitate whilst undertaking efforts to transport Jewish refugees to Spain. Thanks to Varian Fry's little known heroism, the human race has been enriched by the works of such Jewish luminaries [amongst those he rescued] such as the artist Marc Chagall, and the author Hannah Arendt. A compelling film!

An unheralded hero of Holocaust events.......2007-02-14

Isn't it amazing how many unlikely people can end up the biggest and bravest of heroes? THAT is precisely the story of Varian Fry, an almost "Mr.Peepers"-kind-of-guy who risked life and limb to get safe passage for countless artists,composers,writers,scientists and "subversive" free-thinkers trapped in German-occupied Vichy France.With the express backing of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,Varian Fry operates under guise in order to provide "legitimate" papers for peoples set for arrest,deportation and extermination by the Nazis.SEE THE DOCUMENTARY ENTITLED VARIAN FRY as an excellent companion piece to this wonderful homage to an unheralded hero.

Vitally Important & well done.......2006-08-24

This work is significant not only for understanding the way that the Allies let down the Jews during WWII, but for understanding that this is happening again - particularly in Europe, but also in the U.S.A.

Simplifies the Complexities of History.......2004-02-16

This movie is loosely based on the life and work of Varian Fry, an American intellectual who went to Vichy France to save European cultural luminaries from fascist persecution and death. The movie simplifies a complex person and situation, and, as such, falls short of the true history. I do think William Hurt does a good job portraying Fry. I have shown this movie to history classes, but found the pacing is a little slow for most high school students (although a minority appreciated the fact that an American also played a role in saving Jews). To people interested in learning more about Varian Fry, I highly recommend Andy Marino's fascinating character study, A QUIET AMERICAN: THE SECRET WAR OF VARIAN FRY. To history teachers looking for good (and appropriate) films to show students on rescuers during the Holocaust, you might consider the RESCUERS: STORIES OF COURAGE series.

I was an extra in this film (:>).......2002-12-24

I rented this flick n' only watched the part
I'm in.If U blink U will miss me but I'm the skinny
chef in the background of that diner.This flick
might be good but tryin' 2 watch the rest of it made me
sleepy.

Average customer rating:

An American hero of the Holocaust
An unheralded hero of Holocaust events
Vitally Important & well done
Simplifies the Complexities of History
I was an extra in this film (:>)

Varian's War
Starring: William Hurt , Julia Ormond , Matt Craven , Maury Chaykin , and Alan Arkin
Director: Lionel Chetwynd
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000089Q81

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

An American hero of the Holocaust.......2007-05-08

An unheralded hero of Holocaust events.......2007-02-14

Vitally Important & well done.......2006-08-24

Simplifies the Complexities of History.......2004-02-16

I was an extra in this film (:>).......2002-12-24

Holocaust / War Three Movie Set (The Grey Zone; Varian's War; Out Of the Ashes) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]

Average customer rating:

Holocaust / War Three Movie Set (The Grey Zone; Varian's War; Out Of the Ashes) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Netherlands ]
Director: Tim Blake Nelson , and Lionel Chetwynd
Manufacturer: Bridge Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000GWLI2Q

Product Description

Netherlands released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Do;by Digital 2.0), SYNOPSIS: The true story of Dr. Miklos Nyiszli, a Hungarian Jew chosen by Josef Mengele to be the head pathologist at Auschwitz. Nyiszli was one of Auschwitz's Sonderkommandos - Special Squads of Jewish prisoners placed by the Nazis in the excruciating moral dilemma of helping to exterminate fellow Jews in exchange for a few more months of life. Together, the Sonderkommandos struggled to organize the only armed revolt that would ever take place at Auschwitz. As the rebellion is about to commence, a group from the unit discovers a 14-year-old girl who has miraculously survived a gassing. A catalyst for their desperate attempt at personal redemption, the men become obsessed with saving this one child, even if doing so endangers the uprising which could save thousands. To what terrible lengths are we willing to go to save our own lives, and what in turn would we sacrifice to save the lives of others? SPECIAL FEATURES: 3-DVD Set, Interactive Menu,

DVD:

DVD

DVD