Search - Varian's War on DVD

Simplifies the Complexities of History

Glenn M. Harden | Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic | 02/15/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is loosely based on the life and work of Varian Fry, an American intellectual who went to Vichy France to save European cultural luminaries from fascist persecution and death. The movie simplifies a complex person and situation, and, as such, falls short of the true history. I do think William Hurt does a good job portraying Fry. I have shown this movie to history classes, but found the pacing is a little slow for most high school students (although a minority appreciated the fact that an American also played a role in saving Jews). To people interested in learning more about Varian Fry, I highly recommend Andy Marino's fascinating character study, A QUIET AMERICAN: THE SECRET WAR OF VARIAN FRY. To history teachers looking for good (and appropriate) films to show students on rescuers during the Holocaust, you might consider the RESCUERS: STORIES OF COURAGE series."

Varians war

Linda Phillips | 04/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WILLIAM HURT PLAYS THE LEAD CHARACTER IN THIS INSPIRING TRUE
STORY.VARIAN IS AT A LOSS AT THE LACK OF COMPASSION SHOWN SHOWN FOR THE JEWS IN EUROPE AND MAKES IT HIS AIM AGAINST
GREAT ADVERSITY,TO HELP A GROUP OF JEWS ESCAPE OCCUPIED EUROPE.
WITH THE HELP FROM MRS ROOSEVELT HE LEAVES AMERICA ON THIS MISSION AND IS HELPED BY A BRAVE WOMEN (PLAYED BY JULIA ORMOND)
TO GET SOME OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS TO
SAFETY IN AMERICA.WILLIAM HURT'S PERFORMANCE AS VARIAN FRY IS NOT ONLY ENGROSSING BUT HE ADDS HUMOUR TO HIS PORTRAYAL,MAKING
THIS A VERY WORTHWHILE MOVIE."

An American hero of the Holocaust

z hayes | TX | 05/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"