My Best Friend Anne Frank

My Best Friend Anne Frank is a poignant 2021 drama based on the real-life friendship between childhood companions, Anne Frank and Hannah Goslar. Set against the backdrop of a world entrenched in unprecedented turmoil and hate, the film provides a deeply intimate and emotionally charged retelling of their experiences before and during the Holocaust. Directed by Ben Sombogaart and starring Aiko Beemsterboer as Anne Frank, Josephine Arendsen as Hanneli 'Hannah' Goslar, Roeland Fernhout as Otto Frank, and Zsolt Trill as Pim Goslar, the movie is a testament to humanity's resilience in the face of extreme adversity and an exploration of the friendship that endured even then.

The movie takes us back in time to the two girls' early years in Amsterdam. Two teenagers growing together and experiencing an idyllic childhood filled with dreams, laughter, and innocent pursuits, their lives stood on the precipice of profound change. After the tragic plight of the Jews in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands begins, we trace their journey as they are forced to go into hiding from the Nazis.

We see Beemsterboer, as Anne Frank, embody the iconic girl's spirit and courage with a heartfelt performance. Alongside her, Arendsen interprets the role of Hannah Goslar. She portrays Hannah as an anchor of unwavering strength for Anne in a world marred by uncertainty and fear.

The story creates a sincere balance between both girls' experiences, revealing their hopes, fears, and the defiance of their spirits. It underscores the destructive repercussions of hatred and prejudice, as well as the unbroken bond of the girls; a testament to friendship's power.

The film exposes viewers to crucial aspects of Anne Frank's life, often overlooked in the shadow of her diary. It encompasses the universality of teenagehood, the common dreams shared, and the hopeful vision of a peaceful world. As Anne dives into writing, we see her transform her fears, hopes, and dreams into immortality.

Simultaneously, the movie does not shy away from presenting the harsh realities of WW2 from Hannah's perspective. After the Frank family is taken away, Hannah's world is significantly affected too, as the Holocaust's atrocities touch every aspect of her existence. It is an emotionally charged journey that serves as a historical testament to their courage, resilience, and the bond they shared.

The striking element of the film is the attention to detail, grounding it in historical accuracy while preserving its emotional resonance. Combined with compelling performances from both Beemsterboer and Arendsen, the movie strikes a stunning balance between fragility and strength. Supporting performances from Roeland Fernhout as Otto Frank, Anne's caring and patient father, and Zsolt Trill as Hannah's father, Pim Goslar, further add to the characters' depth and complexity.

Through its haunting narrative, the film serves as an important reminder of humanity's capacity for both evil and astounding courage. It is about the shared pain, experiences, and the enduring friendship between two girls separated by war but united by their hearts. Despite its heartbreaking setting, My Best Friend Anne Frank is ultimately about enduring hope, the power of friendship, unity, compassion, and the beautiful simplicity of childhood in even the darkest hours.

My Best Friend Anne Frank succeeds in turning the page from the well-known diary to a different perspective, drawing focus from Anne Frank's friend's real-life experience. It is a heartfelt exploration of friendship and humanity amidst unimaginable hell, bringing to life a tale of courage, survival, and an enduring bond. The movie serves as an essential reminder of the darker edges of history and how the light of our bonds and shared humanity, even if fraught with unparalleled hardship, can still shine through.

Having a blend of history, friendship, and enduring courage etched into its narrative, My Best Friend Anne Frank brings viewers closer to the girls' experience who savored their fleeting moments of joy amid the fruition of a devastating holocaust. It echoes as a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of the two girls, and through its touching narrative and powerful performances, it forms a compelling addition to the canon of World War II cinema.