Editorial Reviews:
Description
Here's the uplifting, true-life story of how one Danish family risked their lives in the remarkable effort to save thousands of their Jewish countrymen. To protect Denmark's Jews from the horror of Nazi concentration camps, the Christian Koster family attempts to save their neighbors. Hendrik (Justin Whalin -- SERIAL MOM, TV's LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN) and his doctor father (Sam Waterston -- TV's LAW & ORDER, THE KILLING FIELDS) begin the dangerous task of deceiving the Nazis and hiding Jewish families. When the Koster men must themselves go into hiding, Justin's sister and his mother (Mia Farrow -- MIAMI RHAPSODY, HUSBANDS AND WIVES) are left to face capture by the suspicious Gestapo. This gripping historical drama combines with a triumphant celebration of the human spirit for a family adventure you'll never forget.
Amazon.com
Disney triumphs with Ken Cameron's 1998 World War II TV movie based on true events that will grip viewers from the first moment to the last. Set in September, 1945, (five years after the German occupation of Denmark began) word gets out that the Nazis will begin arresting Danish Jews, which ignites a citizens resistance movement. Dr. Koster (Sam Waterston) and his wife Doris (Mia Farrow) find themselves in the middle of the chaos and must choose between ignoring the Jewish plight or helping their neighbors. They choose the latter, risking their lives to hide Rabbi Abrams and his family. Soon, the Kosters are front-runners in a clandestine operation to transport over 7,000 Jews to neutral Sweden, while averting Nazi arrest. Waterston and Farrow are brilliant in roles both convincing and complex. Also noteworthy are Justin Whalin and Nicola Mycroft, who play the coming-of-age Koster children, Henry and Elsa. The story is equally theirs as they develop personal convictions to take a stand against Nazi atrocities. In many ways, the film is a sanitized version of wartime events (there are hints, but no footage of concentration camps), yet caution is advised when considering it as a family film. Gunfire, suicide, imprisonment, and death may be disturbing to children under age 10. For all other audiences, it is a must-see movie, a poignant drama of courage and inspiration in the face of persecution, demonstrating that, as Dr. Koster narrates, "In every language and religion, to be humane is to love your neighbor." --Lynn Gibson
