Watch Rescue in the Philippines

Rescue in the Philippines is a 2013 documentary movie directed by Cynthia Scott-Johnson, which tells the heroic story of the Philippine people who risked their lives to save more than 1,200 Jewish refugees from the Nazis during World War II. The movie stars Liev Schreiber who narrates the story of an extraordinary rescue mission that took place in Manila, the Philippines.

The film begins with a brief background of the German invasion and occupation of Europe where millions of Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The United States granted a Visa to thousands of German Jews to immigrate to the US, only to find out that the US was unwilling to accept the refugees.

Paul McNutt, the US High Commissioner to the Philippines at that time, pleaded to President Roosevelt to allow the refugees into the Philippines, which was an American Commonwealth. Roosevelt agreed, and the Philippines became the only country in the world that agreed to welcome Jewish refugees despite the US' stance on immigration.

The refugees arrived in Manila, expecting to be escorted to the United States soon but their plans were ruined when Japan attacked the Philippines in 1941. Just days after the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States was forced to retreat from the Philippines, leaving the refugees stranded.

With the help of Filipino Rotarians and the Chinese Consul General, Manuel Quezon, the President of the Philippine Commonwealth at that time, formed the Jewish Refugee Committee who took the refugees under their care. The committee was headed by Paul McNutt and arranged additional visas for the refugees to stay in the Philippines.

The film highlights the bravery of Filipinos who risked their lives to save the Jewish refugees. From the Rich and powerful to the ordinary citizens, all pitched in to save the refugees. The Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines, Chiune Sugihara, issued visas to as many Jewish refugees as he could, defying his country's strict policy.

Moreover, the American governor general, Frank Murphy, bravely defied military orders and ordered the ships carrying the Jewish refugees to stay docked in Manila, which he knew would be safer than sending them away where they would likely be captured by the Japanese.

The movie shows how the spirit of kindness and bravery of thousands of Filipinos overcame the horrors of war and led to the rescue of the Jewish refugees. It is a story of how humanity triumphs in the face of adversity and how a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life.

In conclusion, Rescue in the Philippines is a truly awe-inspiring movie that tells the heroic story of how a few brave Filipinos managed to rescue thousands of Jewish refugees from the Nazis during World War II. The documentary is both insightful and moving and allows the audience to witness a little-known story of heroism and compassion. Liev Schreiber's narration adds depth to the movie, bringing to life the stories of those involved in the rescue mission. This movie serves as a perfect reminder of how the strength of the human spirit can overcome even the most impossible situations.

Rescue in the Philippines is a 2013 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.