Mark Herman (1) (1954–)

Eight year old Bruno's Father is in the SS and takes a new post as Commandant of a concentration camp. The new home is strange and young Bruno explores his new surroundings without his parents knowledge and meets another eight year old boy, Smuel, who is an inmate in the camp and they become friends. While the family is fictitious, the historical background is real. Diaries and memoirs from some family members whose Fathers ran those camps show the schizophrenic existence they lived as they show more tried to pretend it wasn't happening. The film is very powerful and would be a great classroom aid for properly prepared older students (Jr. High and High School). It would also be a great family film and discussion starter to teach the Holocaust. show less

This book will bring you to tears. I think this book is extremely important to read when learning about the holocaust. I think that it is heartbreaking and brings a real sense of humanity to the many people who lost their lives. I think that this book is difficult for children but I also this that it is important to share because this history does not deserve to ever be forgotten.

Colin Firth stars as 'Colin' - a charcoal artist hoping to find peace from a broken heart in small-town America. Some humour from the landlady and her husband, and a romantic triangle that Colin struggles to move out of. Overall a pleasant evening's viewing.

Rated 12 but I wouldn't show it to anyone younger than about 15 despite nothing too explicit and minimal bad language.

Latest review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2022/06/hope-springs-colin-firth.html

Acting: 4.5; Theme: 5.0; Content: 4.5; Language: 4.5; Overall: 4.5

A young German boy who is the son of a German Nazi officer befriends a Jewish boy incarcerated in the nearby death camp that his father oversees. Highly recommend.

***March 27, 2024***