Defying The Nazis: The Sharps' War

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary film from 2016. Directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, the movie features the talents of Marina Goldman and Tom Hanks, among others, and is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for courage, altruism, and resistance in the face of extreme atrocities.

The narrative of the film revolves around the painstakingly true story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister from New England and his wife, who left the safety of their home in 1939 to aid vulnerable refugees trapped in Eastern Europe at the budding stage of World War II. They are tasked with the dangerous missions of escorting these refugees out of the clutches of Nazi powers and beyond their imperialistic sphere of influence.

Their heroism is brought to life through the entrancing narrations of Marina Goldman as Martha Sharp, and Tom Hanks as Waitstill Sharp. The two lend their voices to historical letters, journal entries, and other documents, breathing life into this incredible account of courage during one of the darkest periods of human history. The story further unfurls the Sharps' subsequent missions in 1940, during which they plotted even more daring rescue operations to ferry trapped Jews, dissidents, and intellectuals to safety.

This seamlessly told story is a revelation of the lesser-known facets of the Second World War. The film combines artful dramatizations, archival footage, and in-depth interviews, often involving the Sharps' adult children, to create a seamless narrative of these unsung heroes' dangerous undertakings.

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War brings into focus the undoubtedly challenging decisions the couple had to make regarding their personal lives while committed to their mission. They left behind their young children in the care of their congregation to complete the life-saving work they had committed to thousands of miles away. This heartbreaking reality adds a deep, personal layer to the war narrative not often highlighted in other war stories.

A particularly striking aspect of the movie involves the contrasting nature of the two main characters -- Waitstill and Martha. Waitstill, known for his calm demeanor and precise intellect, serves as a foil to Martha, known for her rash bravery and compassionate heart. Their contrasting personalities and shared convictions create a captivating dynamic that propels the narrative forward.

As the film progresses, it keeps the audience absorbed by focusing on the personal stories of the people the Sharps saved. It goes beyond their daring escape missions and enters the intimate sphere of these refugees' lives, exposing the human element within the vast, often abstract concept of war. It paints vivid pictures of their trials and tribulations, their fears and hopes, thereby evoking a profound sense of empathy in the audience.

Engaging and emotionally charged, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War does not shy away from addressing the brutal realities of Nazi persecution and the profound emotional toll of war on both the rescuers and the rescued. Simultaneously, it showcases the inspiring, resilient human spirit and the extraordinary capacity for empathy and moral courage. This film is a testament to the incredible strength and bravery of two ordinary individuals who dared to stand against evil, even when the odds were stacked against them, and, in doing so, it raises questions about moral courage and altruism that find relevance in today's world.

Its production design, marked by the authentic portrayal of the early 1940s, coupled with the compelling story, the voice talents of Goldman and Hanks, and the unflinching direction of Burns and Joukowsky, make this film an engaging, educational, and inspiring piece of cinema. It serves not only as an invaluable history lesson but as a broader commentary on human nature itself, prompting the audience to reflect on, learn from, and honour the past while looking toward the future.

In conclusion, Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War is a brilliant documentary highlighting the specifics of the war era brilliantly, offering a powerful narrative that evokes a broad range of emotions among its viewers. It holds immense significance and relevance for audiences familiar with World War II's historical context while also appealing to audiences who appreciate tales of human courage and resilience.