Watch Masterpiece Classic: The Diary of Anne Frank

The Masterpiece Classic: The Diary of Anne Frank is a television series adaptation of the literary masterpiece, "The Diary of a Young Girl," written by Anne Frank herself. This show brings to life the poignant and tragic story of one of the most famous victims of the Holocaust.

The show stars Ellie Kendrick as Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who aspires to become a writer, and her family, who go into hiding in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Tamsin Greig plays Mrs. Frank, who does everything in her power to keep her family safe in their hiding place, while Kate Ashfield plays Mrs. Van Daan, a close family friend, and Iain Glen plays Mr. Kraler, a non-Jewish friend who helps the Franks and the Van Daans in their time of need.

Geoff Breton plays Peter Van Daan, the teenage son of the Van Daan family, who becomes a friend and confidant to Anne during their time in hiding. Nicholas Farrell plays Mr. Dussel, a dentist who shares the hiding place with the two families, and Felicity Jones plays Margot, Anne's older sister. Lesley Sharp and Ron Cook round out the cast as Miep Gies and Mr. Van Daan, respectively.

The show takes us on a journey through the life of Anne Frank in the Star of David-house in Amsterdam. The episodes depict the monotony of living in hiding, the tension between two families trying to survive together, and the teen angst experienced by Anne during her time of isolation.

The show does not rely on the horrors of war to create tension. It is a subtle and emotional drama that explores the complex relationships within the confined space of the hiding place. It accurately portrays the fear and anxiety of each character, and the optimism and hope that the Franks held on to throughout their troubled times.

As the show progresses, we see Anne's character evolve from a naive child to a mature young woman. Ellie Kendrick does an exceptional job portraying the complexities of Anne's character. She skillfully captures Anne's struggle with insecurity, self-doubt, and fear while still maintaining her wittiness and optimistic outlook.

The rest of the cast also deliver compelling performances. Tamsin Greig portrays Edith Frank as a mother who must remain strong while facing unimaginable adversity. Kate Ashfield's performance as Petronella Van Daan suggests a woman who constantly binds herself within her lace-collared dress in order to hide her fear and vulnerability. Iain Glen's plays Mr. Kraler as a man who does not hesitate to put his own life in danger in order to help that of his friends. Lesley Sharp's portrayal of Miep Gies is captivating and memorable as a woman doing everything in her capacity to help the two families hiding in the shadow. The rest of the cast also delivered their respective characters well.

Despite knowing what ultimately happens to Anne Frank and her family, the show still manages to keep the viewer on edge. You are rooting for these characters to survive, to come out of hiding, and to live lives of freedom and fulfillment. It's not always an easy watch, but it is unquestionably a moving, heartbreaking, and utterly thought-provoking one.

In conclusion, Masterpiece Classic: The Diary of Anne Frank is a carefully crafted and well-made show that does justice to the subject. It highlights the courageous spirit of young Anne Frank and her family, and it gives us a glimpse into what they experienced during their time in hiding. Even if you already know the story, this is still an emotional and thought-provoking watch that manages to bring a new level of depth and personal connection to one of the most significant events in recent history.