The Number on Great-Grandpa's Arm

The Number on Great-Grandpa's Arm is a heartrending documentary that takes us on a journey through a dark period in human history - the Holocaust - as narrated by a survivor to his great-grandson. This 2018 short film brings together two unique characters: the elder, an Auschwitz survivor named Jack Feldman, and his innocent 10-year-old great-grandson, Elliott Saiontz. What sets this story apart is its presentation; it's not merely a firsthand account of the Holocaust but also a remarkable memoir of resilience, hope, and the power of human spirit.

This 18-minute HBO short documentary is directed by Amy Schatz, an acclaimed director known for her poignant works focusing on children and their perspectives. The film is a mesmerizing blend of live-action conversations between Jack and Elliott, interspersed with fitting pictorial representations that illustrate the narrative, thus making it easily comprehensible for viewers of all ages.

The movie opens with Jack Feldman humorously explaining modern technology to Elliott. The scene touches on their intimate bond, and it's clear that while they come from vastly different generations, their connection is strong. The film then gracefully journeys into the past, unveiling Jack's childhood before World War II when he was about the same age as his great-grandson is now. The vibrantly painted, poignant animations depict pre-war scenes of life, slowly turning drastic as the narrative unveils the horrifying holocaust period.

More than just a recounting of historical events, this film is about a relationship across generations, and its narrative keeps returning to the present where Elliott listens attentively, often asking questions. His innocent inquiries remove the barriers of time and create a bridge between the past and the present. Jack, while reminiscing about his life in Poland, his family, the arrival of the Nazis, and the eventual horrors of their regime, is both somber and spirited, focusing not just on the sorrows but also on the hope and human endurance.

This touching film further pushes the envelope by not restricting itself to Jack's narrative but also delving into the feelings of Elliott. It captures the young boy's growing comprehension of the atrocities his great-grandfather had to experience and reflects his emotional roller-coaster - the curiosity, confusion, disbelief, sadness, and eventually, immense respect. It holds a mirror to the younger generation's struggle to comprehend history's brutal chapters and the importance of keeping these memories alive.

The Number on Great-Grandpa's Arm beautifully adopts the art of hand-painted watercolor animation, which contributes significantly to the movie's overall experience. The scenes, although simple, are mesmerizing, flowing smoothly between anecdotes, subtly transforming colors with the changing atmosphere of the story. While the grim realities of the Holocaust are not graphically depicted, the illustrative narrative significantly builds the atmosphere of unease, terror, and desolation. This artistic visualization eases out some gruesomeness without compromising the gravity of the events.

Counterbalancing the grave narrative, the images also bring forth the moments of solace, joy, and life amidst the gloom, mirroring Jack's spirit - hopeful, optimistic, and resilient. As a result, the viewers are not overwhelmed but deeply touched by the authentic portrayal of this distressful event in history.

The documentary is further complemented with an original score, accentuating the emotions evoked throughout the journey. The tender and soothing music strikes the right chord as it delicately oscillates between happy times and harrowing moments, often amplifying the sentiments being depicted.

To conclude, The Number on Great-Grandpa's Arm is a must-watch, not only as a testament of a dreadful time in world history but also a heartwarming tribute to human resilience and a helpful educational tool stimulating intergenerational conversations about the Holocaust. As Jack recounts his life's tale to Elliott, his narrative stands as a reminder of the horrors of the past, the endurance of human spirit, and the importance of empathy. Plainly, it makes one realize the importance of history, of remembering the past so we may safeguard our future.