Holocaust Movies That Will Break Your Heart
The Holocaust, one of the most tragic events in all of history is something that we should never forget no matter how tragic it is. This dolorous part of history taught the world so much about our ruthless reality. An unimaginable scar of the past that will always burden us with the sins of humanity. This is why it is important to remember and recognize what it has done, to better understand the extremity of the human mind, and to raise awareness on social issues that still exist today.
Fortunately, we are now capable of immortalizing these events through the art of film. These movies depict what it was like to give in to intense foreign hatred, even those of pure innocence. They relived the memories of souls who were once alive and dreaming, and they will break your heart.
Here are the best and saddest Holocaust films you must watch.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film reenacts the true horrors of the Holocaust under the Nazi regime towards the Jewish people. Oskar Schindler, the main character, is a businessman who will then become a member of the Nazi Party. At first, his reason for joining was solely for personal benefit but little does he know that humanity will eventually get the better of him. Itzhak Stern, a Jewish man will work for him as his assistant. Through his influence, Schindler would eventually have a change of heart. His selfishness and greed will turn into absolute selflessness and will save hundreds of innocent lives.
This film will hurt you in ways unimaginable. It was so brilliant in showcasing just how vile people can be but will also show you just how much kindness can do. The music also adds an emotional feel to it. Not to mention the exceptional acting of the cast. A real tear-jerker, and possibly the greatest film of all time. I would recommend you have a box of tissue with you as you watch this because it can be really overwhelming.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
This film features the friendship of two innocent young boys, Bruno and Shmuel. Bruno is an eight-year-old son of a commandant at a German concentration camp. His family had to move to another place due to his father’s work. Bruno was largely shielded from the reality of World War II. But out of curiosity, he sneaks into the outside world where he will meet Shmuel. Shmuel is a young Jewish boy who was held captive at a nearby concentration camp. These two will spend time together and create an innocent bond between them. However, what awaits these pure souls is the horror of reality they cannot escape.
This film will show you that no one is ever born with hatred. Hence, proving that hatred is systematic as it is learned and developed. The fact that the story revolves around two innocent young boys made it harder to absorb what they had to face in the real world. Everyone has a soft spot for children. I remember bawling my eyes out and staring into nothingness after I finished watching this film. Worse than a break-up, ngl.
And last but not least…
The Pianist (2002)
Set in Warsaw, Poland, this film features the horrors of the world war through the eyes of a classical musician, Wladyslaw Szpilman. Szpilman is a Polish man of Jewish descent. He was playing Chopin for the Warsaw radio when the German bombs first hit the city. Stripped off of all their human rights and left with nothing but fear, the people were forced to move to the Warsaw ghetto where hell awaits them.
This film tells the story of how Szpilman survived the holocaust. How he miraculously got through the war with sheer luck and willpower. But although his life will be spared, he will lose everything he loves, save for his passion for music. And just a quick fun fact, the director, Roman Polanski is a Holocaust survivor himself. Such an opportunity it is to have a Holocaust film directed by the very eyes that saw its horrors, isn’t it?
And that is how you can break your heart on your own.
These movies are all cinematic masterpieces. They were all great at depicting what happened in the past and how humanity has peaked its downfall. The Holocaust chose none of its victims. Men, women, and children all shared the same fate. It will hurt you but make you realize how important it is to be kind, even in your own little ways, just so history does not bother to repeat itself.
So, grab your popcorn and of course, your tissue box whenever you’re ready for some painful emotional journey! These movies await your lonesome hearts, craving some emotions.
