La valse des souvenirs

This movie starts out very slow and drags along for the first 30 minutes or so, but boy does it turn around in the second half! As a born again Christian, this film really inspires me. It is based on the true story of Corrie Ten Boom and how her family displayed such Godly Christlike qualities during one of the darkest times in recent history. I encourage all believers who have not seen it, to get a copy and watch it, and to read Miss Ten Boom's book "The Hiding Place." As usual, it is much better than the movie.

John 3:16 <><

High production values and convincing acting make this film one of the best of the faith based films to date. Based on a true story one cannot help but be moved by the horrors of the Holocaust. Yet at the same time we are inspired by its compelling presentation of the power of faith and the will to survive. The bond of love between the two sisters is especially moving. Julie Harris and Jeannette Clift both provide nuanced and convincing portrayals of the ten Boom sisters. Jeannette Clift received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of the older sister Corrie ten Boom. Unfortunately this film has long been overlooked by the mainstream critics and movie goers. There seems to be a cultural bias against faith based films that has prevented this film from receiving it's due credit. I highly recommend this film!

I caught this movie again on cable over the weekend, 25 years after I first saw it in 1975. It was certainly interesting to view it at such drastically different points in my life. This is the powerful story of the family of Corrie Ten Boom, who died at age 91 in 1983. She and her family (Dutch watchmakers) hid Jews from the Nazis in an attic room over their home/shop during WWII. They were eventually caught and sent to Ravensbruck. But the story of who lives and who doesn't is overshadowed by the powerful lessons of love (both God's love for man and man's love for other men), and by the importance and power of forgiveness. It paints a stiking picture of Christ's concept of turning the other cheek. Julie Harris is great as Corrie sister Betsie, and I can't believe that Jeanette Clift (Corrie) never made another movie. She brought the character to life beautifully. Also stars legendary character actors Arthur O'Connell (his last film) and Eileen Heckart. Corrie Ten Boom herself makes an appearance at the end of the film. Made by World Wide Films (Billy Graham's film production company) with a haunting score by Tedd Smith.

This is another Holocaust story that is well worth watching. It is the true story of 50+ year old Corrie ten Boom, her older siblings and their father all devout Christians. Their love and faith prompt them to be part of the Dutch underground and to hide Jews in their home. For this they are sent to prison. The rest of the film centers on Corrie and her sister Betsie. They endure the hardships of the prison camp by remaining true to the teachings of Christ.

The movie is well made and acted and not at all "preachy". As with all movies they did make some changes from the book. However the basic story was kept intact. I did not understand the change in the character called "Eusie". Some beautiful lines in the book were changed or left out. The most notable is when it is pointed out to Papa ten Boom that if they kept a Jewish mother and baby they could "lose your lives for this Jewish child". Papa takes the baby and says "I would consider that the greatest honor that could come to our family." The scene was in the movie but not that line.

Eileen Heckert did an especially fine job as a fellow prisoner who has become hardened by prison life but still retains her humanity. Arthur O'Connell plays Papa ten Boom with grace, dignity and warmth. Julie Harris seems to really be Betsie. Newcomer Jeanette Clift is excellent in the lead role of Corrie.

I don't think one has to be a Christian to enjoy this movie. I did think the book was better and I encourage everyone to read the book. The movie is very good too and I highly recommend it. The movie does not contain any gory scenes or scenes that would be overly upsetting for children learning about the Holocaust. It should be watched with a parent.

While others might not agree, the religious content of this feature while bordering on the preachy side, was well suited if one is at all familiar with Corrie ten Boom and her other works. The horrors Corrie and her sister Betsy faced in Ravensbruk concentration camp were just barely covered. It's a must watch for those interested in the horrors of the Holocaust. While it is admittedly evangelistic, it is gives an excellent view of what good can come out of sufferring. The cameo at the end of Corrie ten Boom herself in her beloved Beje (the ten Boom name for their watch repair/clockshop/home in Haarlem, The Netherlands) made it for me. An excellent and moving experience.