Watch Broken Glass

Broken Glass is a 1996 film directed by Philip Saville, based on the stage play of the same name by Arthur Miller. The movie tells the story of a Brooklyn couple, Sylvia and Phillip Gellburg, during the aftermath of the Night of the Broken Glass, also known as Kristallnacht, in 1938 Nazi Germany. Mandy Patinkin stars as Phillip Gellburg, a successful Jewish businessman who is married to Sylvia (played by Elizabeth McGovern), a woman suffering from a mysterious and debilitating illness. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when Sylvia becomes obsessed with news reports of the Nazi's attacks on the Jewish community in Germany.

As Sylvia's condition worsens, Phillip becomes increasingly distant and preoccupied with his work. He hires a young Gentile typist named Harriet (played by Margot Leicester) to help him with his writing, but their relationship quickly becomes complicated as Phillip begins to realize that his feelings for Harriet are more than just professional.

Henry Goodman plays Dr. Harry Hyman, Sylvia's physician who is desperate to uncover the cause of her illness. Despite his efforts, Sylvia continues to decline both physically and mentally, lost in a haze of pain and confusion.

As the tension between Phillip and Sylvia grows, so too does the danger in Europe. The couple's personal struggles become intertwined with larger historical events, highlighting the impact that external forces can have on even the most intimate of relationships.

Throughout the film, Miller explores themes of identity, self-deception, and the psychological toll of trauma. The characters' internal struggles are deeply felt and often heartbreaking, as they grapple with questions of faith, love, and human cruelty.

The performances in the film are exceptional, particularly Patinkin and McGovern who both bring a raw intensity and vulnerability to their roles. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the gritty reality of Brooklyn streets and contrasting it with the refined elegance of the Gellburg's home.

Overall, Broken Glass is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexity of human relationships in the face of history's darkest moments. Miller's script is masterfully brought to life by Saville and an outstanding cast, making it a must-see for fans of the playwright's work and anyone interested in exploring the psychological impacts of trauma.

Broken Glass is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.