Watch The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank is a captivating drama film that tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who goes into hiding with her family and a few others during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the midst of World War II. The movie is based on the real-life diary of Anne Frank, which she wrote while she and her family were hiding in a secret annex in Amsterdam for two years. The diary provides a firsthand account of the fear, despair, and hope of the occupants of the annex during their time in hiding.

The film starts with Anne's family, including her mother Edith, father Otto, and older sister Margot, going into hiding in 1942. They are joined by the Van Daan family, consisting of Peter, his parents, and a cranky older woman named Mrs. Van Daan, who is constantly bickering with Anne's mother.

As the months pass, the occupants of the annex struggle to cope with the cramped living conditions and the constant fear of being discovered by the Nazis. Anne spends her days writing in her diary, pouring out her fears and frustrations, as well as her dreams and hopes for the future.

Throughout the film, we see the relationships between the occupants of the annex develop and evolve. There are moments of tension and conflict, particularly between Mrs. Van Daan and Anne's mother, but there are also moments of joy and camaraderie, as the people in the annex support each other through their difficult circumstances.

The performances in the film are outstanding, particularly Millie Perkins, who plays Anne Frank. She captures the spirit and vivacity of the young girl, while also conveying the fear and confusion of her situation. Shelley Winters is also excellent as Mrs. Van Daan, bringing both humor and pathos to the character.

Joseph Schildkraut, who plays Anne's father Otto, is particularly moving in his portrayal of a man torn between his love for his family and his fear for their safety. He delivers a powerful speech towards the end of the film, in which he speaks about the importance of remembering the victims of the Holocaust.

The film is visually stunning, with the majority of the action taking place in the confined space of the annex. The cinematography makes clever use of light and shadow to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The scenes outside of the annex, such as the opening shots of Amsterdam, are also beautifully shot.

The soundtrack of the film, composed by Alfred Newman, is appropriately somber and reflective, adding to the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Diary of Anne Frank is a moving and powerful film that tells an important story about the human cost of war and persecution. It remains a classic of cinema, both for its historical significance and its enduring themes of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Diary of Anne Frank is a 1959 drama with a runtime of 3 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 59.