Watch Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War

Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War is a compelling documentary that follows the inspiring story of Unitarian minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife Martha. In the late 1930s, as World War II was beginning to brew in Europe, the couple felt compelled to help as many people as possible escape from the tyranny of the Nazis. The documentary is directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, who makes it clear that Waitstill and Martha Sharp's story was meant to be told. The film alternates between interviews with the Sharps' relatives, their beneficiaries, and vintage footage of the events that took place in Europe during the war.

The couple traveled to Prague in 1939 after a plea for help came from the British Unitarian Service Committee. The Committee believed that the Sharps could be instrumental in getting refugees out of Czechoslovakia. Waitstill and Martha knew that what they were getting into was risky, but they felt it was their moral duty to help. They left their two young children behind in America and journeyed to Europe, where they worked tirelessly to help fleeing refugees secure safe passage out of the country.

Waitstill and Martha's story involves a high degree of danger and sacrifice, but it's also infused with hope and a deep commitment to social justice. The film captures the heart of the couple's efforts and the inspiring way in which they defied the Nazis at every turn. Their tireless work on behalf of refugees and Jews continued throughout the war, and they helped countless individuals to safety, while always putting their own safety at risk.

Tom Hanks, who is an executive producer of the film, also provides the voiceover narration, which adds to the sense that we are seeing an important historical film. Marina Goldman also deftly narrates key segments of the documentary.

The film's tone is serious and sober, yet throughout there is always an undercurrent of hope and a belief that one person can make a difference in a troubled world. The Sharps' courage, resilience, and determination are truly awe-inspiring, and the film is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to do good and to rise above oppression.

Overall, Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War is a must-see documentary that will engross and move viewers. It brings to light a story that has, until now, been largely unknown, and it provides an invaluable window into the moral courage of two ordinary people who did extraordinary things in the face of grave danger. It is a story of heroism and of hope, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the light of human decency can shine through.

Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War is a 2016 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.