Scandinavian JEWRY

940.53

MENDEL  (1997)

Men

Norwegian drama about a German Jewish family who survived the Holocaust and are beginning a new life in Norway in 1954. The film is told from the viewpoint of nine-year-old Mendel, who was born after the war and wonders why his parents are so secretive about what happened. It is no surprise that Mendel is confused about religion as his father rejects religious belief, his neighbors are observant Jews, evangelist Christians try to convert the family, and Mendel’s classmates are Christians who have never met a Jew before. The film creates a realistic picture of the aftereffects of the Holocaust on survivors—as well as the struggle for uprooted survivors to attempt to build new lives. Note: Parts of the film may be offensive to some viewers, as Mendel’s father (a survivor) constantly tells Holocaust jokes.

In Norwegian with subtitles. 1 hr. 35 min.  AGE: 13 to Adult

940.53

MIRACLE AT MIDNIGHT  (1997)

Mir

Disney-produced drama about a family in Denmark who risked their lives to save their Jewish countrymen. The Koster family decide to hide their Jewish friends in their home until they can be shipped to safety in Sweden. Dr. Koster, a chief of surgery, convinces his hospital to hide many Jews as well, pretending that they are patients. Koster’s son is secretly involved in the Danish students’ resistance which is also depicted through the drama. The film personalizes the rescue of Danish Jews by focusing on the courage of one particular family and the trials they faced. Stars Sam Waterston and Mia Farrow. Note: A note appears at the film’s beginning which says, “Inspired by true events.” There is no indication, however, whether the story of the Koster family was based on an actual family or whether it was a family created as a composite, based on true stories. A well-produced and acted film which is one of the few Holocaust dramas suitable for a younger audience.

1 hr. 29 min.  AGE: 10 to Adult

940.53

RESCUE IN OCTOBER  (1993)

Res

Short documentary about how Danish citizens rescued 8,000 Jews from the Nazis in October of 1943—the Nazis planned to arrest and deport them on Rosh Hashanah. Includes interviews with Danish rescuers as well as with a few of the Jews who were saved.

15 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

940.54

RESCUE IN SCANDINAVIA  (1994)

Res

Narrated by Liv Ullmann, this film documents the rescue of Jews in Norway and Denmark by their fellow citizens during the Holocaust. Archival film footage and many interviews flesh out a picture of how many ordinary citizens risked their lives to save the lives of Jews. The film also shows how Sweden assisted Jewish refugees and how Finland helped to keep their Jews safe. Study guide available.

55 min.  AGE: 14 to Adult

F

SOFIE  (1992)

Sof

Liv Ullmann directed this drama about a Jewish woman in Denmark in the late 19th century. At the beginning of the film, we meet Sofie, a woman of marriageable age who lives with her parents. Their quiet lives revolve around their small Jewish community and gatherings with relatives, who visit often. At a party, Sofie meets a famous gentile painter who wishes to paint her parents’ portrait. For Sofie and the artist, the attraction is instantaneous. Frightened by this attraction and wishing to please her parents, Sofie agrees to the marriage her parents have arranged for her with a doltish cousin—a drapery shop owner who is devoted to his stern and unpleasant mother. The film follows Sofie as she lives the life her parents have chosen for her and grows in awareness of the implications of that choice. Beautifully filmed and acted, this slow-moving period piece feels like an Ingmar Bergman movie. Note: Includes a very brief nude scene.

In Swedish with subtitles. 2 hrs. 25 min.  AGE: Adult