| Varian's War |  | Director: Lionel Chetwynd
Actors: William Hurt, Julia Ormond, Matt Craven, Maury Chaykin, Alan Arkin
Category: DVD
This item is no longer available
Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 265288
Format: NTSC
Languages: English (Unknown), English (Original Language), French (Original Language), German (Original Language)
Region: 1
UPC: 065935144861
EAN: 0065935144861
ASIN: B000089Q81
Theatrical Release Date: April 22, 2001
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Amazon.com
While in Berlin in 1938, Varian Fry (William Hurt) witnesses firsthand the brutality of the Nazis as they assault Jews in the streets. Upon returning to America, he launches an effort to save artists and intellectuals whom the Nazis have designated as "degenerate." Varian's War follows Fry as he learns to navigate his way through the bureaucracies of France--which, even in its unoccupied half, was still under the watchful eye of the Gestapo. In his role as a highbrow Oskar Schindler, Fry rescued such artists and writers as Marc Chagall and Franz Werfel. Hurt, as always, gives an intelligent and subtle performance, ably assisted by Julia Ormond as an American expatriate who helps Fry set up his underground railroad. Also featuring Alan Arkin, Maury Chaykin, and Lynn Redgrave. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
 Pistola Pictures March 14, 2010
Joseph A. Moncayo (Santa Monica, CA, US)
A good "movie of the week" production about Varian Fry ( William Hurt ), an unlikely American hero, who helps a select group of european artists and intellectuals escape Nazi and Vichy facsists during World War II. The film sheds light on the old saying "don't forget the French" in ironic fashion. Vichy complicity with the Nazis during the occupation of France in this film is testament to the mortal danger so many artists, poets, scholars and writers faced while trying to escape. There are strong performances from Lynn Redgrave and William Hurt, so I would recommend it on this merit alone.
[...]
 Laughably Bad January 30, 2010
Montpelier Reader (Montpelier, Vermont United States)
The subject is serious and historically compelling. That said, this film is a joke. The pace is deadly, the dialogue is flat, and the plot is totally lacking in drama or suspense. William Hurt plays the lead as Varian Fry, and the viewer wonders how a foppish twit like Fry was able to be of help to anyone during the perilous days of Vichy France. Hurt's acting and character are awful in this film. He created neither a believable figure nor one with whom there was any reason to be sympathetic or interested. Despite the importance of the subject-- aid to persecuted Jews during WW II-- don't waste your time watching this film.
 An Unforgettable Experience July 14, 2009
Mr. Zahid Islam (Dammam, Saudi Arabia)
An engrossing movie which captures the deadly atmosphere of Hitlerian Germany. William Hurt is most impressive and carries himself with ease in a role that seems tailor-made for him. Julia Ormond is equally brilliant and can bring tears to the eyes of sentimentalists.
An American hero of the Holocaust May 8, 2007
z hayes (plano,texas)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This little known gem of a Holocaust movie by Showtime is worth watching for its portrayal of an American intellectual, Varian Fry's efforts in rescuing Jewish artists & intellectuals trapped in Vichy France during World War Two. Although Varian's efforts were not publicly recognised until after his death in 1967, this movie showcases his heroism in a time when the US maintained a policy of neutrality in the war. Varian is played brilliantly by William Hurt and Julia Ormond shines in her role as the female assistant. The story moves along at a thrilling pace with Varian having to fend off the Nazis and the French securitate whilst undertaking efforts to transport Jewish refugees to Spain. Thanks to Varian Fry's little known heroism, the human race has been enriched by the works of such Jewish luminaries [amongst those he rescued] such as the artist Marc Chagall, and the author Hannah Arendt. A compelling film!
An unheralded hero of Holocaust events February 14, 2007
KerrLines (Baltimore,MD)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Isn't it amazing how many unlikely people can end up the biggest and bravest of heroes? THAT is precisely the story of Varian Fry, an almost "Mr.Peepers"-kind-of-guy who risked life and limb to get safe passage for countless artists,composers,writers,scientists and "subversive" free-thinkers trapped in German-occupied Vichy France.With the express backing of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,Varian Fry operates under guise in order to provide "legitimate" papers for peoples set for arrest,deportation and extermination by the Nazis.SEE THE DOCUMENTARY ENTITLED VARIAN FRY as an excellent companion piece to this wonderful homage to an unheralded hero.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
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