Watch The Only Way

The Only Way is a 1970 war drama film set during the historical backdrop of World War II. Directed by Bent Christensen, it is a gripping tale of hope and survival amidst one of history’s darkest periods, the Holocaust. The movie features a stellar cast, including Ebbe Rode, Helle Virkner, and an early appearance by the then-up-and-coming actress Jane Seymour.

Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during October 1943, The Only Way dramatizes the Danish resistance and the life-threatening circumstances that the Jewish community faced during Nazi occupation. Ebbe Rode portrays Professor Koster, a central figure whose courage and humanity bring to light the challenging moral choices faced by individuals during the war. Helle Virkner plays his wife, Doris, a woman whose strength and resilience are stress-tested by the nightmarish realities of their time. They help to set the tone of bravery and compassion that courses through the narrative.

The film's plot is interwoven with the factual events of the period when the Danish populace organized a mass escape for their Jewish countrymen. Panicked by the imminent threat imposed by the German forces, who began rounding up Jews for deportation to concentration camps, Danish citizens of all walks of life united in their endeavor to protect the oppressed and facilitate their escape to the neutral shores of Sweden.

Jane Seymour, although in a supporting role, plays Lillian Stein, a young Jewish woman caught in the maelstrom of war. Her character encapsulates the vulnerabilities and fears experienced by the Jews during this time. Her performance helps carry the emotional weight of the film, as audiences are prompted to consider the human faces behind the historic event. Lillian’s fate, which intertwines with the Kosters’, becomes symbolic of the peril and plight faced by European Jews.

The Only Way endeavors to capture the frantic, fear-tinged atmosphere as the Germans close in on the Danish Jewish population. Ebbe Rode’s Professor Koster becomes a figure of quiet resistance, exhibiting a moral rectitude that is severely tested. His determination to stand up against the oppressors and to uphold human dignity is a defining aspect of the movie that resonates with themes of conscience, solidarity, and the power of collective action.

As the story unfolds, the film delves into the clandestine operations and desperate measures taken by ordinary Danes to smuggle Jews to safety. It paints a portrait of a community refusing to succumb to the dehumanizing edicts of the occupying forces, instead rallying around their imperiled neighbors. The sense of community and the depiction of unheralded heroism are elements that lend The Only Way its emotional depth and historic significance.

Visually, the movie employs a straightforward style typical of its era, focusing on character-driven drama rather than action sequences or graphical depictions of violence. Its cinematography captures the tension and the urgency of the escape attempts while utilizing the Danish landscape to emphasize the starkness and suspense of the situation.

One of the compelling aspects of The Only Way is its historical accuracy. The storyline was meticulously crafted to mirror true events, giving an authentic voice to the silent heroes of Denmark. It serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the courage displayed by a nation under the shadow of tyranny.

Musically, the film’s score plays a pivotal role in conveying the emotional atmosphere. It combines both pathos and hope, reflecting the dualities of fear and courage, despair and determination that suffuse the narrative. The musical arrangements act as an unspoken language, enhancing the audience's connection to the characters and their harrowing journey.

To sum up, The Only Way is not just a movie about the survival of the Jewish people during a tumultuous time in history; it’s also a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above hatred and oppression. The performances by Rode, Virkner, Seymour, and the rest of the cast bring an immediacy to the story that transcends its historical setting, making it not just a recount of past events but an enduring narrative about the essence of humanity.

This poignant depiction of a Holocaust story focuses on the brighter side of a dark chapter, ensuring that the efforts and sacrifices made by those who chose to resist and protect are recognized and remembered. While The Only Way might not have the same notoriety as some of the major Hollywood films set in World War II, it nonetheless remains a significant and heartrending piece of cinematic history.

The Only Way is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.