I use the word "haunt" for several reasons. First, there are some scenes that I found very hard to watch. Actually, I closed my eyes for fear of what they would actually show. As it turns out, there really wasn't anything too graphic to view, but my mind's eye had no problem filling in what the filmmakers graciously left out.
Second, I had trouble believing parts of it. I won't go into detail,
but I would be interested to hear if you had the same reaction if you watch
the movie.
And last, but not least, was the obvious question of what would I do, what
would any of us do, if faced with the same decisions.
It is for that last reason that I would recommend this movie.
When I picked up this DVD to watch, I chose it because the images on the cover looked so "precious". I had no idea I was about to watch a movie based on a true story, on real people, and events in Warsaw during WWII.
In real life, the Żabińskis were recognized by Yad Vashem (The World
Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel) as "Righteous Among the Nations" for
their heroic actions and saving hundreds of Jews. The Warsaw Zoo is
still in operation today.
The Zookeeper's Wife
Antonina Żabińska was the zookeeper's wife. The couple had friends from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. Antonina had one admirer, Lutz Heck, who would play a big part in the survival of the zoo and unwittingly help them with their ability to "hide" and transport Jews to safety.
![The Zookeeper's Wife [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51X+X8zeZ5L._SL500_.jpg)
Knowing in advance that the Germans would be moving into Warsaw sooner or later, Antonina refused to leave her husband, her home and the zoo animals. As a result of that decision, she and her son became an integral part in caring for and sheltering the Jews that arrived at the zoo.
Not long after the occupation of Warsaw, the valuable zoo animals were transferred to the Berlin Zoo in Germany by their "friend", Lutz Heck. Under the guise of raising pigs for the German soldier's meals, the zoo was allowed to remain open and became the perfect hiding place. However, there was much danger in the day to day operation and not everyone could be saved.
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The image on the cover does make you think the story is of a lighter subject matter. But this story does sound like one that needed to be told. Thanks for telling me about it, Sylvestermouse.
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction and this movie certainly sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a difficult to watch but important film. Thank you so much for sharing your candid review and recommendation, Ms. Mouse.
ReplyDeleteI think I've seen this movie? Along with you, I find movies where people are forced to hide from evil very very hard to watch. I've been avoiding this topic for a while now. I find it enrages me to think what people have to endure and I word so hard not to lose my faith in humanity. This movie would be something I'd check (again?) when my mood is a little more settled. Thanks for this recommendation.
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