Looking for a specific film review? CLICK BELOW

0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z / Trailers / DVD Store


June 30, 2008
The Hiding Place (1975)
Should I see it?
Yes.


Short Review: A deeply moving film that perfectly expresses the reach of God’s grace even in the worst of times.



The film centers on a family of Danish Calvinists, the ten Boom family, during Nazi occupation. Headed by watchmaker abd patriarch Casper ten Boom, the family has their lives and faith thrown out of control by the invasion of deep hatred into their world. Casper takes a firm stand against the Nazi movement. In one case he actually begins wearing the infamous Star of David patch the Jewish population was forced to wear. But as the tides of Nazi hatred rise, Casper and his daughters Corrie and Betsie quietly join an underground movement. They soon find themselves helping their Jewish neighbors escape and allow others to hide in their home. It isn’t long before the family is found out and they are sent to the camps. The remainder of the film is very difficult to watch since the narrative offers an unflinching look at the hellish life Corrie and Betise ten Boom endured in the Ravensbrook concentration camp.

The first portion of the film is sincere and quiet. The ten Boom family are intent on remaining absolute to the faith regardless of what comes. This section is quaint in many places but offers some great insight to Christian morality. The family doesn’t turn from the fight when evil arrives on their doorstep, they do what they can to help beat the darkness away. All of the actions they take, every soul they try to save from the cruel machinations of mankind is an act of love and faith.

When they are sent to the camps, the film changes drastically. The opening with its charming displays of reason and faith is just a kind contrast to the hell that follows. Director James F. Collier offers one of the bleakest and visceral portrayals of life in a concentration camp. A feeling of endless dread soaks the camp scenes. The grungy and soulless look of the camp serves as a sharp conflict to the resilient faith of the sisters as they find God even in the darkest of holes.

It is easy to focus on the camp scenes and look to the bravery of the ten Boom sisters. Their willingness to continue to suffer and risk their lives to profess the power and love of Jesus Christ even in the dank barracks of Ravensbrook is stunning. I believe one of the major points of the film can be found elsewhere. I think the real power of the film is in the opening scenes.

The ten Boom family’s faith instills an immediate revulsion to evil and this drives them to literally sacrifice themselves for others when the time comes. It is made clear in the first act of the film that the family’s faith is so strong that it is second nature for them to step up when they are asked. When the family is destroyed and imprisoned their unyielding faith is inspiring. This film shows that their faith didn’t grow out of the misery. It existed in the good times and it was just as strong. I believe this film shows the importance of working on one’s faith when the times are good as well as the bad. It isn’t enough to plead for God to save you when the storm clouds roll in. To have a firm faith you must also go to him when the sun is shines. The ten Boom’s faith is nearly identical whether they’re resting comfortably in their parlor or shivering in cold hell of the camps.

This is a great film on many levels. I highly recommend it. From my review, my non-Christians readers may want to dismiss this piece. I’m telling you that is a mistake. This film doesn’t shy away from the Christian faith but it doesn’t sermonize either. The characters are committed Christians so they act in kind, but this isn’t a Christian film like the kinds we see today. This film is actually well done.


Related Reviews:
Other Inspiration WWII Movies
I am David (2003)
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Decent Films Guide
Rotten Tomatoes


Labels: , , , ,


posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 9:00 AM




Share






0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home