Customer Reviews

Varian's War

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

I was expecting something different from this film. While it was not that, it was something better. William Hurt played a role that I found unlikely but wonderfully interesting--a character who had many quirks, who was not a he-man but had exceptional courage. Julia Ormond also played a different role. I like this one. I liked being surprised by it. The subject matter was crucial, saving the talented during WWII to work and create again. This movement was not something I was aware of, the intellectual elite saving the intellectual elite, bits of history of their several lives, with a great cast as well. Worth the viewing.

This was a great movie! I had to watch it for a philosophy class, but it was completely worth it.

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.

[...]

This work is significant not only for understanding the way that the Allies let down the Jews during WWII, but for understanding that this is happening again - particularly in Europe, but also in the U.S.A.

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.