Humor within Pathos. Review on Divided We Fall Movie

My initiation into Czech films began with Jan Hrebejk's Divided We Fall. This film was a surprising change for me, because of its theme. Set in the Nazi period, Josef and Marie live a normal life, despite the effects of the war and Nazi revolution. However, life changes drastically when they decide to hide a Jew in their pantry, for two years. Meanwhile, their friend, a Nazi sympathizer and coward, who is initially unaware of the hidden jew, makes frequent visits to the household, with the aim of seducing Marie.

However, when she doesn't respond kindly to his advances, he decides to take revenge. He asks the couple to take in a Nazi into their household. Marie lies, saying she needs the additional room for a nursery. What follows is quite comic, because they just have to get her pregnant now, or else they'll be shot dead. Also, it isn't that easy, the couple have to take into account Josef's sterility! Though much of the film centers on their predicament, we also get a glimpse of the Nazi attrocities. We see families being pulled out of their homes, separated and shot. You're sure to understand the period to a degree if you've watched films like Escape from Sobibor and Schindler's List.

This film sensitizes you to everything the jews had to endure. But amidst all pathos, it also delivers humor in the lives of a family. Watch it if you have a sense of humor, and if you don't think it is blasphemous to find humor in a period that was dark and murky. You do empathize with David Wiener, the only surviving jew in his family, who escapes from Theresenstadt. You see him through situations when people he could once depend on betray him. He only survives because he meets the kind and generous Josef. Josef and Marie begin by feeding and caring for the emaciated young man.

He is nursed back into good health and hidden in their pantry. They nearly get caught a few times, but luck is always on their side. What is most amazing however is their strength and courage, in continuing to keep David within the confines of their loving home. However, they can continue saving him, and avoid the entry of a Nazi into their household, only if Marie gets pregnant. That is when David comes to their rescue! Like in all comedies, the movie ends on a happy note, when peace is restored. The Nazis are caught, and punished. Josef is saved, because he was kind enough to hide a jew in this house.

The movie ends on a positive note, with Josef taking a walk with his new baby in a stroller. He wanders through the streets destroyed by years of supression. All around him, he sees people picking up the pieces of their lives, set to start again. Strangely, despite the ordeal that everyone has just survived, Josef exudes tranquility and happiness. Like many around him, he walks ahead, about to start a new beginning.

A must see for those of you with a funny bone, the film stars Bolek Polívka (as Josef), Anna Sisková (as Marie), and Csongor Kassai (as David) among others.