Watch Making Light in Terezin

Making Light in Terezin is a historical drama movie that takes place in the Terezin concentration camp during the Holocaust. The movie examines the power of art and music in the midst of unimaginable suffering and oppression. The story follows the renowned Yiddish writer Jakob Adler, played by Jake Ehrenreich, who is sent to Terezin alongside his wife and child. Adler initially refuses to participate in the cultural activities organized by the Nazis, believing that doing so would be a betrayal of his heritage and people. However, he soon realizes the potential for using art and music to lift the spirits of the prisoners and to resist the dehumanizing effects of the camp.

With the help of his friend and fellow prisoner, Rabbi Leo Baeck (Jan Fischer), Adler starts to organize performances of Yiddish plays and songs, bringing together a group of passionate actors and musicians. Their performances become a symbol of hope and resistance for the prisoners, even though the Nazis initially try to suppress the shows.

Meanwhile, a young girl named Hannah (Hayley Finn) arrives at Terezin and is taken under Adler's wing. The girl is a talented violinist, and Adler encourages her to keep playing despite the dire circumstances. Her music becomes a key element in the performances and in Adler's efforts to keep hope alive in the camp.

The movie is an emotional and poignant tribute to the power of creativity and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty. It highlights the ways in which art and music can provide an escape from reality, a means of connecting with others, and a tool for resistance against oppression.

The performances within the movie are particularly moving, showcasing the incredible quality of the acting and music. The actors give stirring and heart-wrenching performances, and the music is beautifully played and sung, with haunting melodies and lyrics that linger in the mind long after the movie has ended.

The movie also pays tribute to the real-life prisoners of Terezin, many of whom were accomplished artists, musicians, and writers before being imprisoned. Through their example, the movie shows how even in the darkest of times, people can find strength and inspiration in the beauty of art and music.

Overall, Making Light in Terezin is a powerful movie that offers a poignant and inspiring look at the Holocaust and the ways in which creativity and art can be a force for good even in the most dire of circumstances. It is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and love.

Making Light in Terezin is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.