Das Tagebuch Der Anne Frank

Das Tagebuch Der Anne Frank, released in 2016 is a German film directed by Hans Steinbichler. The film stars a vibrant and talented cast including Lea van Acken, Martina Gedeck, and Ulrich Noethen, among others. The film is a sterling portrayal of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hidden by her family and others from the Nazis in a small apartment in Amsterdam during World War II.

Lea van Acken plays the role of the titular character, Anne Frank. She portrays the role of a young girl, who despite her tender age, becomes the voice of the Holocaust's devastating reality. Anne's character is depicted as lively, energetic, and imaginative, yet at times confrontational and moody, in a manner that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of a growing teenager forced to endure bitter circumstances. Van Acken's compelling performance draws us into the mind of Anne Frank, making us feel her fears, hopes, and dreams.

Martina Gedeck and Ulrich Noethen portray Anne Frank's parents, Edith and Otto Frank. These accomplished actors portray the desperation, fear, and hope of parents hiding from the Nazis and shielding their children from a gruesome reality. Martina convincingly taps into the emotional depth of her character, portraying the constant fear and anxiety of a mother who eventually succumbs to the harsh conditions. Ulrich convincingly brings to life Anne Frank's father, portraying a man who maintained hope in the most hopeless circumstances.

The movie is grounded on Anne Frank's diary entries. These entries, which form an inextricable part of the film's narrative, provide insight into Anne's life, relationships, her hopes, dreams, and fears. The entries are presented in voiceovers ensuring the audience feels the closeness and intimacy as if hearing them from Anne herself.

Das Tagebuch Der Anne Frank outlines a chilling and realistic portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust. It does not shy from displaying the harsh realities of life during the Nazi era and the severe depression, anxiety, and even claustrophobia experienced by the people hiding. It shows an ordinary family driven by the circumstances of the time to live in puzzling silence during the day, moving without a sound and whispering in shadows, generating an atmosphere of unremitting tension.

This adaptation is filled with powerful symoblism. The once quaint and charming secret annex slowly evolves into a tiny, stifling attic, representing the ever-tightening noose of the hideouts' realities. The constant focus on the annex's window, the only connection to the outside world, underscores their feeling of being trapped and yearning for freedom.

In contrast to the darkness the film portrays, it also manages to capture the resilience of the human spirit. Through the eyes of Anne Frank, the movie paints a picture of hope amidst pessimistic circumstances, depicting how even in the face of imminent danger and absolute despair, one can describe the world as beautiful.

The film’s impressive design brings to life the confined world of Anne Frank. The cinematography brilliantly captures the narrowness of the annex, the dimly lit rooms, the cramped space, and the stifling atmosphere, lending authenticity to the narrative. The filmmaking is meticulous in offering great historical accuracy, with each frame faithfully reconstructed to mirror the diary's accounts.

The hauntingly beautiful musical score, by Sebastian Pille, adds depth to the narrative. It enhances the emotional tone, at times echoing the feeling of despair, at others highlighting the small moments of joy and normalcy.

Overall, Das Tagebuch Der Anne Frank is a compelling cinematic dramatization of Anne Frank's diary. It compellingly illustrates the life of eight Jews in hiding during one of history's bleakest periods, creating a powerful, emotive and deeply human story. The performances are earnest and moving, with each actor gliding into their character seamlessly. The attention to detail is admirable, making the film an engaging watch that doesn't merely recount a history lesson but instead offers a deeply intimate insight.

Still, it's Lea van Acken's captivating portrayal of Anne that stands at the heart of the film, embodying the spirit of binding hope and unyielding optimism shining through even in the starkest of times. This film is a tribute to Anne's resilience and her belief in the inherent goodness of people, even in the face of unspeakable horrors, making it a worthwhile, enlightening, and thought-provoking watch.