1 Anne Frank The Whole Story
Our class recently viewed Anne Frank the movie. I reccomend this movie to people of all ages. It was a good movie, and showed what happened during the war. This movie tells what Anne Frank did in two years of hideing. This movie shows what life was like back then, if you were Jewish. This movie also showed how Jews suffered in concentration camps. Camps such as Bergen Belsum had poor food supply and no clothes. Jewish people in thoes camps suffered and died from sickness, lice, starvation, and scabies. Over all the movie is really great and I think students should watch this movie and learn about all the hard times jewish people went through during the hollicost.
2 Anne Frank-The Whole Story
I bought this dvd to include in a study of World War II for my fifth grade class because it was a Disney video. While I enjoyed the movide, I can not show it in public school due to some scenes in the film.
3 Extemely moving... A film that everyone must see!
Quite simply, this is one of the very best works of film that I have ever seen. I have read Anne's diary, biographies, and other supplemental books countless times, and this film echos Anne's spirit entirely.
To begin with, Anne and the other members of the Secret Annex look so much like they must have in real life - and the acting is so well done that it's almost easy to forget that these ARE just actors! Anne's multifaceted personality is portrayed very realistically (as a teenage girl, I believe I have the experience to say that), and Ben Kingsley's performance as Otto Frank is heartbreaking. The first time I saw this movie, in fact, I was almost too shocked to cry. Everyone knows the tragic story of the Holocaust, but for once the facts were truly humanized on a personal level.
The events in this film are very well laid out, too. It's important to get to know the Frank family in their happier years before they went into hiding, and of course Anne's story does not end at her arrest. I would DEFINITELY recommend this movie to all mature audiences: Anne Frank fans, World War II buffs, history teachers and classrooms, and anyone who has the slightest interest in realizing the state of the world only sixty years ago.
4 Excellent for classroom viewing
We study "The Diary of Anne Frank" in my eighth grade English classes, and this video is an absolute must in my curriculum. It gives the students a very personal connection to Anne Frank, and provides far more accurate information and detail than does the play version of her diary.
5 Moving Story
Based on Melissa Mullers book on the life of Anne Frank, this film tells the schoolgirls life story, dating from just before the war, to her tragic death in Bergen Belson concentration camp, only two weeks before the camp was liberated. It is the story of an outwardly ordinary schoolgirl, whose aspirations of womanhood cruelly denied her by the brutal effects of the
dying Nazi regime.
This splendid film shows how the girl used her writing as a means of self expression, and as a fom of escapism, only to be captured by the Nazi's, and spend her last days in a desperate struggle for salvation. The setting of the family attic is broken by the brutal scenes at the concentration camps, culminating in Otto Franks return to Amsterdam after the war, to discover the truth about his two daughters, and to discover Anne's diary.
Ben Kingsley gives a dignified portrayal of Otto Frank, the man who strives throughout to keep his family together. It is this message of family values which shines through the film to the end. Moving, and near the end, harrowing drama.
6 Superb - only the English language detracts from the realism
I wholeheartedly agree with the majority of reviewers that this is the best account of Anne's life ever made - and one of the best holocaust movies ever made as well.
The acting is top-notch and Hannah Taylor Gordon is a real find -it is amazing how she is able to bring Anne's character to life.
The only thing that could theoretically be improved upon is to do the movie in the language(s) used in the real events - that is, mostly Dutch. As a Dutchman, I may seem prejudiced in favour of my own language but that's not it.
Dutch movies that portray 'international' events or persons almost always use the appropriate language(s) even if that results in a multilingual movie. To me, the story becomes less believable if Dutch and German characters are speaking English to each other, or if they have an unconvincing accent.
The same thing bugged me when I watched "The Discovery Of Heaven", which is also mostly set in the Netherlands.
Anyway, this is all hypothetical because: a) I see that a movie in Dutch would probably not be competitive internationally so it could never be made with a similar budget; and b) that would mean that the great cast used in this movie wouldn't have been in it.
So I'm not really complaining; even if some aspect could theoretically be improved upon (at least according to my personal taste and preferences), it remains, in practice, one of the best ever made in its genre, and a must see for anyone seriously interested in that horrible episode in human history.
7 Anne Frank - The whole story is wonderful!!!!!
Just like the book in all the ways it explains all the details. This is as close to the book as you can get. The book was just like I visualised it on the DVD. Its a must see!!!!
8 Great movie!
This movie really put things into perspective. It was very moving and entertaining. I enjoyed it and this movie inspired me to do some reserch on the holocaust and anne frank, and through the movie and the research i have learned a great deal more of this horrible period of time. I enjoyed it and i think many more people will too.
9 History Teacher recommends
As a middle school history teacher, I found that my students responded well to this film, as it is more recent and very well performed. It depicts the concentration camps with shocking reality and gives my students a look at the truth. Though very long, there are portions that can give some necessary insight into WWII. I highly recommend it.
10 Anne Frank - The Whole Story; a truly moving film:
Anne Frank - The Whole Story was probably the most moving film I have ever watched.
If you're going to order it, get the handkerchief or tissues out for the end because the scenes of the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp and the way all those poor, innocent Jews were treated are so distressing.
I think Hannah Taylor Gordon was such a good look-alike to Anne Frank and played her part so well; if the real Anne Frank were still alive, you could put the two girls side by side and they'd look so alike.
11 Our Anne
As i write this review, this film is just finishing up, and I must say, this is one of the most moving accounts of Anne Frank that I've seen to date. We all know the story of Anne Frank, how it started, and what a complete tragic end of her life; and more importantly, what hope she brought to the world that killed her. This film is a remarkable, incredible retelling of the life of Anne Frank.
The reasons why this film soars, aboslutely soars, are numerous. First, the film tells the complete story, from before the Franks hid in the Annex, until her final days in the concentration camp. Whereas some films tend to linger solely on Anne's days in the Annex, this wider focus gives us the larger picture. Anne's time in captivity is heart wrenching; we have fallen in love with the tempestuous, darling girl and to see her solely fade away is devastating. It serves as a testament both to the millions lost, and the one girl that would write a book to change the world.
Secondly, the performances in this movie are amazing. Ben Kingsley and Brenda Blethyn lend their star-stature names to this project, and turn in performances that are real and dignified. Favorite Lili Taylor, who is one of America's most talented actressses, gives a quiet, powerful performance as Miep Gies. It's Hannah Taylor Gorden, as Anne, brings Anne to life with complexity and grace. Gordon honors Anne in every scene, never deifying the girl, but making her real, human. She even writes the way Anne did, holding the pen as Anne would have held it. That attention to detail does not go unnoticed by those of us who love Anne. It was a perfect match of actress and role.
Third, this film is visually beautiful. Often, you expect a "lower" standard of technical excellence in a television film. Rightfully so, ABC and the director, Robert Dornhelm, give this film a professional style. There are several scenes where you are just in awe, apart from the incredible story.
It was sad for me to learn that this film was not endorsed by the Anne Frank Foundation, because the film was based on a biography not approved by the foundation. Whereas I think its important to have the Foundation so Anne's life can be told in a honest way, they should have seen the film before making a judgment. This movie is a beautiful testament to a beautiful life, and it should be free from any political wranglings like this.
By the final scene, when Miep gives Otto Frank his daughter's diary, and he travels back into the Annex to look at it, my heart was breaking. Anne didn't live to see the effect she'd have on the world, but I think for all of us, we have adopted Anne as our own daughter or sister. She belongs to the world now, and we are responsible to take care of her, to make sure her story is told generation after generation, to honor her life by ensuring nothing like this ever happens in history again.
12 The Best Film Adaptation of the Life of Anne Frank
This film is absolutely amazing in its accuracy. If you have seen the "Hollywood" black and white version of Anne Frank's story, you know that that version did not do such an important historical event justice. However, this film makes up for all previous attempts at chronicalling (sp?) the life of one of the most important and influencial voices from WWII. Some of the best qualities of the film include scenes from Anne's life before going into hiding, the superb performances of the actors, and the disturbing, yet powerful portrayal of Anne's life in various concentration camps. As a person who never cries at films, I was in tears when Anne was separated from her father upon arriving at Auchwitz. This film is highly recommended to anyone interested in the life of Anne Frank, or for anyone simply wanting to futher explore the notion that good can come from evil.
13 Absolutly Spectacular
I have loved the Diary of Anne Frank since I was 12. To see this movie was awe inspiring. The best part of this movie is it lets us see what happened after they were taken. If you read just the Diary of Anne Frank, you are left to wonder, If you have read Anne Frank; Diary of a young girl, you get to find out what happened after, but seeing it in motion picture form was something else. What struck me is how similar the girl playing anne looked to the real anne. I can watch this movie over and over. The best adaption from book I have ever seen.
14 Great
This is a great movie. Some people might think it is dumb, but I don't. Do not watch crap like Saving Private Ryan, because this is the real deal. This shows what a Jewish family living during the holocaust had to go through. I goes into the 'secret annex' and all the cramped space they had to live through. Check out this and The Diary of Anne Frank which was just made on DVD 2-5-04, These are both really good movies.
15 I never actually know what Anne went through- now I do
ANNE FRANK: THE WHOLE STORY has probably been the best Anne Frank movie i have ever seen in my whole entire life. Not only was the acting sensational, but whenever I think of Anne Frank, i think of this movie version because she looks so alike to the real tennage jewish girl, who hid in the secret annexe for the last two years of her life.
My whole family are totally sick of her, but i dont know how they could be seriously.
I dont kno whether i could find anyone more heroic, than the frank's. This was a touching, moving movie, and i am goin to see it often in the near children.
HANNAH TAYLOR GORDON was great and she deserved about tenoscars for her role in Anne Frank.
16 Anne Franks true side
this movie, is the real anne frank. I have seen a lot of anne frank movies, but none as thourough as this one. i regret that, i saw the channel seven version, which had bits cut out of it and i am trying to get hold of the whole thing. Hannah taylor gordon, is probably the best anne i have seen. The 1959, diary of anne frank, was pretty accurate in the way anne acted, but they made anne and margot, look like dolls. and also, millie perkins was 21 when she played anne, whereas hannah was fourteen. It made my stomach turn over and over from when the gestapo take the eight jewish hideaways away, to when Margot dies, and anne looks up at the hole in the roof. I have watched this movie around ten times, and i still love it. so to cut a long story short, this probably the best movie about anne frank ever made.
17 Finally a movie that does Anne Frank justice!!
First of all I couldn't believe how acurate this movie was to the real thing. Of course there were flaws like any movie, but they are soon forgotten. I've read heaps on Anne Frank since the first time I read her diary, so just about every scene felt familiar. They got the smallest things such as the unusual way Anne held her fountain pen to envying her sisters figure at the beach. And Hannah Taylor Gordon is just adorable!! Her big expressive eyes could tell the story on their own. I liked how all the actors are European, it makes it more believable, and they also managed to find actors who look exactley like the real life people. To me the first of many heatbreaking scenes was when Anne had to leave her cat Moortje behind before going into hiding. I know now that I'll never take many things for granted (including my cat). This version leaves the other Anne Frank movies in the dust. If you haven't seen the others don't bother! This mini-series has just about all you need to know about Anne's short life.
18 Amazing
This movie truly shows Anne in her entirety. I looked to this movie to teach me about what life was like to Anne and her family. That is exacty what this movie potrays. This movie shows everyone the horrors of the nazi occupation in Holland during WWII. I look up to Anne and Hannah truly looked, acted and potrayed Annne Frank very accurately.
If anyone really wants to understand what happened during the Holocaust to young teens they should buy this. Also if you want to see a young girl trying to find herself, while all this terrible days are going on in the world.
19 a masterpiece
this movie is so sad it wasnt made for u to rate it good or bad
BUT IT WAS MADE TO TEACH U SUMTHING
we watched this in our 7th grade class at middle school me and 2 other students cried i couldent take it the pain those people suffered
...
20 Anne Frank-The whole storey
The movie gave me insight to who Anne Frank was. Miss Frank was just a little girl born in the wrong place. My heart aches for her and her father who lived through this and lost his whole family. Can't imagine that!
21 One Awesome movie!!!
This is one of the best films that I've ever seen! In some films that are based on a true story, directors twist the plot line around to suit their whims. But in this one, the producers stuck close to the real story, portraying each character and event as they really were. Actual footage from WWII was inserted in certain points of the film, giving it an authentic air. Also, some of the consultants were people who knew the real Frank family, people like Miep Gies (who to my knowledge is still alive in Amsterdam today) and Jacqueline Van Marsen, one of Anne's childhood friends. The actors and actresses acted out their roles superbly, and I was especially impressed with Hannah Taylor Gordon's performance. Not only does she bear a striking resemblence to the real Anne Frank, but she also acts very much like I believe Anne would have acted. I also appreciate the fact that, even though the film's setting is a very harsh time in history, the producers managed to show the brutality of the Nazi occupation without resorting to blood and gore. Anne's story is a sad one, but one worth watching, because it reminds us that the people who died in the holocaust were just normal human beings with hopes and dreams, whose lives were abruptly snuffed out by people who were blinded by racism and extreme nationalism. I would recommend this film for any history buff. It's definitely the best portrayal of Anne Frank on film. Thumbs up for this movie!
22 One Awesome movie!!!
This is one of the best films that I've ever seen! In some films that are based on a true story, directors twist the plot line around to suit their whims. But in this one, the producers stuck close to the real story, portraying each character and event as they really were. Actual footage from WWII was inserted in certain points of the film, giving it an authentic air. Also, some of the consultants were people who knew the real Frank family, people like Miep Gies (who to my knowledge is still alive in Amsterdam today) and Jacqueline Van Marsen, one of Anne's childhood friends. The actors and actresses acted out their roles superbly, and I was especially impressed with Hannah Taylor Gordon's performance. Not only does she bear a striking resemblence to the real Anne Frank, but she also acts very much like I believe Anne would have acted. I also appreciate the fact that, even though the film's setting is a very harsh time in history, the producers managed to show the brutality of the Nazi occupation without resorting to blood and gore. Anne's story is a sad one, but one worth watching, because it reminds us that the people who died in the holocaust were just normal human beings with hopes and dreams, whose lives were abruptly snuffed out by people who were blinded by racism and extreme nationalism. I would recommend this film for any history buff. It's definitely the best portrayal of Anne Frank on film. Thumbs up for this movie!
23 SHOULD BE 6!!!
WOW! I saw this movie on ABC a few years ago. I cried. It was completly and totally awesome. It was historically correct, unlike the old one. I'm currently reading the book in Language Arts. We are being foced to watch the old one...I wish we could watch this one!! It provides information on what happened after the Nazis found the Franks, the Van Pels (Van Daans), and Pffefr (Dussel). I enjoyed this throughly and to anyone who wants to see it or buy it, do it know!!!!!!!!!
24 Best Movie Ever Made!!
I loved this movie, it really touched my heart!! Ann Frank is really a person who isn't scared, she was holding it in, and she did it well!! I am doing a project about her, and it is going to be good, i am so excited about doing this!! She is really some one who can really touch your heart in a movie!! I cryed at the end when her father was alone all by himself at their house, and he was sitting there alone wondering when his family was coming home, that part really touched me, i cryed for a while!! It was the best movie ever!!
25 SHOULD BE 6 STARS!
This is definitely the best Anne Frank movie ever made, and possibly the best Holocasut film too. Believe it and watch it-you will be moved and it will haunt you and make you think about how precious life is.
26 The Best Anne Frank Movie!
I watched this movie in the two-parter mini-series on TV a couple of years ago, and I thought it was wonderful. Most of the actors and actresses looked a lot like the real-life Frank family and the others (Dr. Dussell, Henk, Miep, and the others), and all are great on their parts. The second part of the movie is sort of brutal but that is what real life in the Holocaust was like.
The actor who played Otto Frank said his words exactly what would the real Otto would say, such as the way he said to Meip about his two daughters when he found out they passed away. The actress who played Miep Gies did wonderful as well.
I think this movie should win an award or something if they haven't already....it's a tearjerker and entertaining as well. It's worth it to buy this movie because it is THAT good.
27 Picks up where other versions left off.
Hands down the best screen version of Anne Frank's diary I have ever seen. While other versions terminate at the secret annex's inhabitants' discovery by the Nazis, this one trudges on to Anne's last days in Belsen and Otto's consuming grief at the loss of his family.For those who may not know Anne Frank's tale, here it is: Anne Frank was a normal, high-spirited young girl who had the immense misfortune to be Jewish during the Nazi occupation of Holland. A budding writer, her parents gave her a diary for her 13th birthday. At the diary's beginnings, Anne annotated what is the normal life of a young girl: boyfriends, puppy love, best friends, movies, books, and family. But a month after her birthday, the diary took on a somber tone. Several months earlier, the Nazis had begun to round up Jews in Anne's home city of Amsterdam and send them to horrible extermination camps such as Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, etc. Otto Frank, determined to keep himself and his family out of the Nazis' clutches, spirited them away from their home and into hiding. The chosen place was a hidden set of rooms located in the rear of his office building. Anne called it the secret annex, and for the two years she and her family -- along with the Van Pels family and a dentist named Fritz Pfeffer -- hid there, she composed a written account of life in hiding. She spared no detail in her descriptions of rations, shortages of goods, war news, the grumpiness she and the others experienced at being confined in such close quarters, her growing affection for Peter Van Pels, and the constant fear of discovery and death. Office workers Miep Gies, Bep Voskuijl, Mr. Kleinman, and Mr. Kugler were the annex inhabitants' only link to the outside world. Miep especially took risks to ensure that they were fed, cared for, and received news of events in the world outside their cramped lodging. They longed for the day the Allies would invade and liberate Europe, which would mean freedom at last from the secret annex.Tragically, Anne and the others had their worst fear realized when the Nazis penetrated the secret annex and dragged them away to various concentration camps. Only Otto survived, and he published Anne's diary a few years after the war.This movie is exactly as I envisioned the story the diary tells. Even the characters are how I pictured they'd look as I read the diary. Also, the accuracy and authenticity are very good.
28 REAL LIFE
I really liked this film because it brang to life the diary of Ann frank and made you imagen how bad the Germans where to Jews. eithen thought this film was sad what made it sadder was that it was a true story, also that if they would have stayed alive a little longer then thay would have survied...
29 REAL LIFE
I really liked this film because it brang to life the diary of Ann frank and made you imagen how bad the Germans where to Jews. eithen thought this film was sad what made it sadder was that it was a true story, also that if they would have stayed alive a little longer then tay would have survied...
30 Anne Frabk-The Whole Story
This movie was simply amazing, it was extremely moving and kept me glued to my seat- not to mention the boy who played Peter is well fit (buff and a spunk). Hannah Taylor Gordon portrayed Anne very well, and each actor chosen would make their characters proud. I loved this film from start to finish as it showed the true story of Anne Frank and the Secret Annex, therefore I would love to get my hands on a copy of the DVD (hint, hint). This is a masterpiece that deserves an oscar in every category (including best actor for the boy who played Peter). All I can say is watch this film and be moved, by the Annex scenes and the final scenes of Anne in the concentration camps. If you watch this film then you will never forget the horror of the holocaust.
31 Anne Frank- The Whole Story
This movie was simply amazing, it was extremely moving and kept me glued to my seat- not to mention the boy who played Peter is well fit (buff and a spunk). Hannah Taylor Gordon portrayed Anne very well, and each actor chosen would make their characters proud. I loved this film from start to finish as it showed the true story of Anne Frank and the Secret Annex, therefore I would love to get my hands on a copy of the DVD (hint, hint). This is a masterpiece that deserves an oscar in every category (including best actor for the boy who played Peter). All I can say is watch this film and be moved, by the Annex scenes and the final scenes of Anne in the concentration camps. If you watch this film then you will never forget the horror of the holocaust.
32 Anne Frank- The Whole Story
This movie was simply amazing, it was extremely moving and kept me glued to my seat- not to mention the boy who played Peter is well fit (buff and a spunk). Hannah Taylor Gordon portrayed Anne very well, and each actor chosen would make their characters proud. I loved this film from start to finish as it showed the true story of Anne Frank and the Secret Annex, therefore I would love to get my hands on a copy of the DVD (hint, hint). This is a masterpiece that deserves an oscar in every category (including best actor for the boy who played Peter). All I can say is watch this film and be moved, by the Annex scenes and the final scenes of Anne in the concentration camps. If you watch this film then you will never forget the horror of the holocaust.
33 Amazing!
This movie was just Amazing!Much much better than the old version plus has much more detail of her life. Beautiful story, and superb acting.
34 A real tear jerker
This movie is amazing. It tells the story of a girl who I think every person in America should be familar with. If you think you're down and out, watch this movie. It'll jerk you back to reality
35 Excellent, realistic, much better than the other versions!
Anne Frank, the Whole Story stars Ben Kinsley as Otto Frank and Hannah Taylor-Gordon as Anne. This 180 minute Israeli production starts out in Amsterdam just before WWII starts. Hannah does bear a striking resemblance to Anne...you do have to overlook her obvious Britishness. The beginning starts out in a tame atmosphere, so if you know the story you may be a bit bored with the everydayness of Anne's depiction pre-Annex.
And considering the striving for authenticity Mr. van Pels (Joachim Kr—l) makes a couple jokes that were English language puns, i.e. they don't work in Dutch.
But when the Franks go into hiding we begin to get engrossed. We are shown the empty annex (as it stills looks today) and soon we are seeing the story through Kingsley's eyes. And life in the Annex is given a realism where the people get on your nerves as well as Anne's. Lili Taylor does a great job as Miep Gies, the helper who saves the diary.
And we are shown exactly how they are betrayed, and what happens afterwards. A segment at Westerbork Transit camp, then Auschwitz, then Bergen-Belsen, all very accurate and harrowing in depiction. Importantly we are shown what actually happened to Anne, and Kingsley's quiet sense of loss really forces empathy.
At the end we are given text which shows what happened to each person in the Annex, and it says "Aside from the Bible, Anne's Diary is the world's most widely read work of nonfiction". Well, I guess noone had the guts to bring up to the producers that the Bible is a work of fiction (unless you believe in Adam and Eve, Moses, 7 day creation, etc.)
This is by far the best version of Anne Frank's story on film.
The 1959 one is good as the first major film ever to address the Holocaust (albeit indirectly), the 1980 Melissa Gilbert one was pathetic, so see this one and the documentaries.
36 A teacher's point of view
This is absolutely the best of the Anne Frank movies for students. First of all, it is not boring-the acting and script are very well done. Secondly, it goes beyond just what happened when Anne and her family were in hiding. Since the diary stopped there, most stories stop there too. It gives the students the rest of the story so they realize that going into hiding was not the bad part of the story. The scenes at the concentration camps are disturbing but not gruesome. Appropriate for middle or high school.
37 terrific!
i made a point of catching this movie when it was run for the first time on abc, and i was blown away.
the movie is truly beautiful. it does a fantastic job of conveying Anne in a very relatable manner - she's not just some anonymous victim... she was a real person before, during, and after her time in the secret annex.
the latter stages of the movie are heartbreaking. i found myself in tears as the movie ended and again in some days afterwards when my thoughts turned to the horrific things that were done to Anne in the concentration camps. her spirit was broken.
all in all a delightful, powerful movie. the dvd contains just the movie, but i don't think that anything else is needed in this case. recommended to watch again and again.
38 The First Time I ever cried during a movie
I am not a crier. I only cry when something pierces me so hard that it forces the tears out. But even this did not pierce me. It stabbed me. I have been researching the Holocaust since I was nine years old. I have read every book there is on it. Watched so many movies on it. But I always had a feeling for Anne Frank. I read her Diary and all that, watched movies on her, so when I saw that a miniseries was coming on on ABC I was pretty excited. Since we don't get ABC my Grandmother taped it for me. Then the next day my Mom, my cousin and I sat down to watch it. The First part was great for me not a single tear but then came day two. When Anne was wrenched out her "Pim's" arms it was too much. The tears came and didn't stop till the Conventration camp was over. It was the very first time I ever cried during a movie. Hannah Taylor Gordon looked so much like Anne that I had to remind myself that the real Anne was dead. Lili Taylor was awsome as Meip Gies the main helper of the Frank Family. Jessica Blanaly as Margot just makes Anne's character shine even more. I think she deserves way more credit then she got. And all the rest of the Characters shine also. Because of the very Graphic images I don't recomend this movie for anybody under 11. But if you are over I strongly recomend this movie. To help us remember to never let this wretched thing happen again.
39 A wonderful Story
... Hannah Taylor Gordon does a wonderful job as Anne herself and the roles of the others make her role shine. Ben Kingsley the man who played Otto looks so much like the real him. The lady who played Miep I think her name is Lilly Taylor is perfect for the job. Jessica Manely as Margot is so pretty and just blooms whenever she comes on screen. They also open up what is was like for the family in the concentration camps. I highly recommend this movie for older Holocaust readers, it is the best Anne Frank movie I have ever seen!
40 A fitting tribute to the unbeatable spirit of Anne Frank!
I first viewed the Anne Frank story on tv. I had never heard about her and at first I wasn't interested. But then as the movie progressed, I became glued to the screen. I was enthralled at being able to view a young girl's life as if I was there in the room with her. After watching the things that she endured in the concentration camp and how horrible it must have been wondering that at any moment she may be taken away from her family, I just had to read the story in her own words. After reading her diary and was astonished at how close the movie was to the book and at how deep the feelings that were being poured out by a longing heart onto each page. (I so much wanted to give a hug of reassurance.)
Except for the concentation camp, of which no one really knows the exact happenings, the movie was almost exactly as her diary. I was delighted and amazed at that fact.
I came away from the movie and the book with a stronger thankfulness that I don't have to endure the things that Anne did. That I live in a free country and that fear doesn't engulf me when I go outside, or walk down the street. I continually thank God for that priviledge.
If you haven't seen this movie, you MUST! The movie is on my top 10 list and it is truly an amazing tribute to the unbeatable spirit of a little fourteen-year-old girl.
41 Anne Frank - the best one yet!
This is ABSOLUTLEY the best movie ever created about Anne Frank. To be able to put into words what i think about this movie is extremly hard. It was very emotional, and very informing about what happened OUTSIDE of the attic, before AND after. I especially thought that the actress who played Anne herself was exceptionally good, and she shared a common likeness to her. I am greatfull that somebody would take their time to make such a wonderfull movie that tells her story. very, VERY good movie i may say.
42 New Version of Anne Frank's Story Outstanding
I never thought the 1959 film version of "The Diary of Anne Frank," directed by George Stevens, could be improved upon, but this new made-for-TV film is outstanding in every respect. The location photography, intelligent script based faithfully on Melissa Muller's book, and superlative performances (Lili Taylor as Miep is a stand-out, but all the major actors--Ben Kingsley, Tatiana Blacher, Jessica Manley, Brenda Blethyn, Joachim Krol, Jan Niklas and Nick Audsley--and many of the minor ones--Peter Bolhuis, Cees Geel, Rob Das, Jade Williams and Ela Lehotska--cannot be improved upon) make it poignant, extremely realistic in its recreation of the period, and unforgettable. Hannah Taylor-Gordon looks frighteningly like the real Anne. Warning: the concentration camp scenes are harrowing to watch (much more realistic, it should be noted, than those in the 1978 TV mini-series "Holocaust"), which only adds to the tragedy of the entire story, a grim reminder that this was only one of 6 million. I particularly liked the idea of using relative unknowns (and many foreign actors and actresses) in the majority of roles. I was captivated by the whole production, in fact, I couldn't take my eyes away from it. You can't say that very often these days.
I would heartily recommend this film for anyone interested in a top-quality viewing experience.
43 The whole story
This was one of the most moving films I have seen in a very long time! I'm not a sentimental person but this film pulled all the right strings. I would like to say, that as with the real Margot Frank the actress who played her, Jessica Manley has been forgotten in all the reviews that I have read, she was only a backround character but had a huge onscreen presence.
Well done to all the cast and crew for producing a film that I won't forget or a long, long time!
44 One of the best Holocaust films ever!
I purchased this film because of the reviews I'd read, along with the fact that I have an interest in war films of that era that are Holocaust centered. Shindler's List and The Hiding Place are personal favorites.
It took me two evenings to view the the first 1/2 or so of Anne Frank because it seemed to move ever so slowly. What I didn't realize at the time was that the film producers were apparently making sure that the characters were solidly etched in my mind because their later interactions would be critical to fully understanding and appreciating this film.
From the time Anne and her family were finally discovered in their hide-out by the Nazis, the movie was not to be left unfinished again! This later part of the film, which I would estimate at 90-minutes, was probably the best 90-minutes of film I'd ever seen. Hannah Taylor Gordon's (Anne) and Ben Kingsley's (Anne's father, Otto) acting abilities, along with the great movie sets, make this film so realistic, gut-wrenching, and believable.
Bottom line, one of the best films on the Holocaust you'll ever see. Easily stacks-up to Shindler's List. Also, for a simulation of life at a Nazi concentration camp, the Anne Frank film is #1.
45 A very moving tribute to Anne Frank
I have been fortunate enough to be able to see this movie through SKY Moviemax tv in the United Kingdom.I have seen many versions of the story of Anne Frank,but none that hit me so hard as this one.I was moved to tears,espescially during the final scenes in Bergen Belsen concentration camp when Anne is desperately trying to keep Margot alive,although the situation is absoloutly hopeless.For me the saddest thing is that Anne believed that her father was dead,if only she could have known that he was still alive then she might have found more strength to survive until the liberation which ,unfortunately came too late to save her.My father went into Bergen-Belsen as a Britsh Royal Army Medical Corp just a few weeks after the liberation and he was able to confirm some of the horrors that were found in that camp.For me,this movie provides a very moving tribute to Anne Frank and it is one which nobody should miss.The characters all gave superb,realistic portrayals,espescially Hannah Gordon-Taylor ,who is a very talented young actress and Ben Kingsly was very convincing as Otto Frank.Just one question,will the video be released in The UK?
46 no words strong enough to describe it...
Here is me, opinionated wildcat7110 again.
This movie is beyond the words of the English language. I watched it when it first aired on television, and the tears that I shed were falling of their own accord. Correct me...I was sobbing. There was no words to describe the agony that Otto Frank must have felt when he realized Anne and Margot were not coming back, the agony, when he read Annes diary and storues, and his feelings re-kindled to the wonderful daughter he had lost, but loved so much. Ben Kingsley is an amazing actor, I'd like to meet him to tell him what an amazing job he did on his protrayal. I don't know words to descrobe the horrible conditions of those Concentration Camps, the feeling of alway sbeing cold, hungry always knowing that you were itching because Lice and Fleas infested your whole body, and knowing that you can do nothing about it. I kow no words good enough to feel what Anne must have been feeling when she knew that her older sister, Margot, was dead, and that she would not see her living once again. I live my own older sister tremendously, I feel that Margot was to Anne like Tara is to me. I don't know what it is like to starve, to have no decent clothing, to stand for hours from the crack of dawn to, sometimes, the late evening, while they count you over and over, to dig endlessly, to know that you were being sent to the gas chambers, to know that you would have to go into hiding, leaving your family, friends, and everything that you had ever known and held dear, to know that you were going to die, of hunger, disease, cold...
All I know is that if movies such as this can always be made to remind us of the Jews sacrifice, and undying courage and bravery during the Holocaust, that we will live our lives a little differently from that day forward. I know I will...
47 Anne Frank
I loved the Anne Frank mini-series.Hannah Taylor Gordon played her part very well.Jessica Manley as Margot did well too.I think Nicholas Audsley (Peter) deserves more credit.Nick played his part wonderfully. He captured Peters shyness and akwardness extremly well.He also played in the Cazalets.All the actors and actresses played there parts very well.If you liked this movie,check out The Hiding Place.See ya.
48 Anne Frank as alive as ever
I am a big fan of Anne Frank, I've read her diary and the biography this movie was based on and countless other books about her and I think this movie is better then all the others. Hannah Taylor Gordon is amazing as Anne and it is shocking who much she and other characters resemble the characters the play. In the end I almost cried. Because of the events surronding the last parts of Anne's life this movie is not good for children under ten but I think every Adult and Teen that has read the book should see this movie!
49 Very powerful
I saw this film on Sky Movies, although then it was separated in two parts, and had to get it - simply because it was just so powerful. Being a true story makes it even more powerful. It is as powerful as Schindlers List, if not more so. I'm not sure why it hasn't been released in the UK yet on video or DVD, hence I had to get the NTSC format.
There are really no words to describe this film without making it sound less powerful than it is. I haven't yet read the diary of Anne Frank yet, just own this dvd. I've just finished watching it for a second time and it was still just as emotional.
You cannot take away any emotions from a period in time that existed when such atrocities were committed against fellow human beings, whatever background or religion. As far as I'm concerned we are all equals, only language and oceans separate us.
All I can say really, is buy this film. If you have a multi-region dvd or video recorder than can play NTSC films, this is a must.
50 Very Realistic
I really believe this film gives the story of Anne Frank justice.
During my last semester in college I wrote my senior thesis on Anne Frank. I used the same book that this film is based on as one of my sources. This is a very realistic account of what really happened to the millions of Jews during World War II. Again, a Spectacular film, if anyone wants to learn about Anne Frank, then pick up this video.
51 The Best Thing Ever
I watched this movie last spring when I was 13 and cried 3 days after it. It touches you and makes you realize how good you have it. Anne was an amazing girl who found the good in things and believed that people were still good deep down. This movie shows what a true hero is.
52 Anne Frank - a film to remember.
I loved the film, ANNE FRANK - THE WHOLE STORY so much! I saw it when it aired on ABC and thought it was one of the most beautiful, heartwarming pieces of filmmaking in movie history. This story was about a real girl - Anne Frank - who was a Jewish girl growing up during the Holocaust, one of the most terrible, unthinkable tragedies in history. It was very accurate, considering the fact that I read Melissa Miller's novel right after viewing the film. This is a film Disney and ABC should be proud of! Everyone must see this film...it will change your life and way of thinking forever! The DVD or VHS must be on the shelf in every family's house. The acting performances are absolutely superb and some of the best I've ever seen. Hannah Taylor-Gordon is inspirational and gives an Oscar-winning performance, forget the Emmy Award! If only this had been shown in the theaters. Taylor-Gordon is exactly how I'd picture Anne Frank to be on screen. She is a true teen idol for teenage girls out there - forget those teen "Pop princesses"...they don't even come close to Hannah Taylor-Gordon! Ben Kingsley is in his best performance yet. And Lili Taylor...what more can I say about her? She is one of those rare, extremely talented actresses, but so underrated. She also deserves an Emmy! The whole cast is superb, like I said before. Oh, and also, to that reviewer who was wondering who played Peter van Pels, it's Nick Audsley. Another truly amazing actor. And I also agree that his chemistry with Hannah Taylor-Gordon in the film was perfect! This is a film of horrifying reality. It is also one of those rare films that made me cry at the ending. I cannot wait to be able to buy this DVD. If I could give ANNE FRANK more than 5 stars, I definitely would. This film may be too tense for very young viewers, so I suggest to parents that they the be cautious of the warnings before letting their children watch the film. If you are over the age of twelve, then I strongly recommend you see ANNK FRANK - THE WHOLE STORY...it goes beyond the treasured, best-selling novel we all know of and is absolutely a beautiful film!
53 A Film That Needs to Be Seen
This is a film that needed to be made. Based on Melissa Muller's biography, it covers Anne's life from the beginning of the war in Europe (1939) through her death in 1945. Many people are familiar with the contents of the diary but don't have a sense of Anne's life as a whole. This is a sad shortcoming which is helped by viewing this movie.
There are some things that potential viewers should keep in mind, however. This is a very long film--a little over three hours. Additionally, as permission was not given for the film makers to use the content of Anne's diary, the scenes in the secret annex don't have the flavor that a person very familiar with the diary might expect. Lastly, the cinematography sometimes leaves things to be desired. Particularly outdoor scenes often have a tinge of unreality about them--as if it actually is a movie set.
On the other hand, there are some very powerful performances here. Ben Kingsley bears a striking resemblance to Otto Frank and plays the character very well. He is a fine actor whose skills are well in evidence here. Ultimately, however, it is Hannah Taylor Gordon as Anne who must make or break this film and she carries the weight of this story beautifully. It is a performance that people should see.
A final thought: as a high school teacher, I overheard some girls discussing the film after they had seen it. One of them commented that she liked the film though she felt it was unrealistic. She mentioned, in particular, the scene in Bergen-Belsen where one of her friends throws Anne food over the fence as being unlikely to have happened; and yet, this is a well-documented event told by survivors. So many things about the Holocaust seem impossible. This films reminds us of some of the truths and takes us into the depths of those four simple words that end many editions of the diary-- "Anne's diary ends here."
54 me--the movie lover
Oh, my gosh, I cannot even begin to describe this movie! It was sooooooooooo good! I would tell everyone to watch it with their family.
55 A Word for Peter
I can't really add anything to the reviews already written, but I'd like to add a word or two of praise for the young man who played Peter van Pels. Having spent many years teaching Anne Frank, this fellow's performance was spot on! Well nigh perfect, in fact. Understated but with amazing clarity of characterisation and sincerity. The scenes between him and Anne are some of the most heartwarming in the film because of their shy simplicity. I only wish I knew the guy's name: the credits at the end don't have the complete cast list, and the up-front credits don't include "as".
People should check out the stunningly comprehensive CD-ROM from the Anne Frank House too, which includes film of the real Anne Frank.
56 I Loved This Movie!
Of all the Anne Frank movies I've seen, this movie surpasses all the other movies! Ever since I saw the first preview for the movie, I knew I had to watch it!
Hannah Taylor Gordon really rocked! She delivers one of the most extraordinary performances I've ever seen! It's just amazing how much Hannah is like Anne! I don't think that there is anyone else who could play Anne as well as Hannah did! Hannah deserves high praises and a lot of credit, as well, for her stunning performance! The other actors and actresses gave quite a stunning performance, as well. I don't think I've ever seen people play the other Annexe residents as well as the actors and actresses in this movie did!
As a lot of people would say that the whole movie was sad, I, on the contrary, think that there were happy parts, as well. Everyone actually got to see what Anne's life was like before going into hiding, and I really liked that, because a lot of the other movies don't show Anne's happier times!
As opposed to the happy parts, there were, of course, the sad, and maybe a bit frightening parts, too. As some people would say that the concentration camp scenes were too unbearable to watch, I, on the other hand, was able to watch all of the camp scenes without bringing tears to my eyes. It's great that the movie gave us a taste of what Anne's life was like in the camps, that it just kept going after the raid of the Annexe, for all the other movies that I've seen do not!
Now that I've seen the movie, it's one of my very favorites of all time, and I'm terribly happy that such a fantastic movie is finally out on video! I hope to own the movie very soon!
57 Well worth watching
On balance, I found this an excellent account of Anne Frank's life, and superbly acted, with Ben Kingsley and Hannah Taylor-Gordon beyond praise. The script also manages to provide some insight into people's motives and behaviours and counterbalance Anne's harsh(if not necessarily inaccurate) portrayals of some of the adults in the Annexe without sentimentalizing them or glossing over their faults, not an easy task.
I would have awarded it five stars were it not for a number of inaccuracies, though. Some, on balance, are insignificant ("Putti" was Mr. Van Pels's nickname and "Kerli" Mrs. Van Pels's, not the reverse, and the inhabitants of the Annexe were sent to Westerbork and Auschwitz in summer, not midwinter), others troubling. The "Janny Brandes" of the film was actually Marianne ("Janny") Brandes-Brilleslijper and her sister was Lientje Brilleslijper, and it is a real pity that these heroic women (far more heroic, actually, than depicted in the film) are not named accurately in the roll-call scene. Nor do I like the idea of openly fingering the cleaning woman - although she is indeed a potential suspect, the fact remains that to this day no one knows who was the betrayer.
58 Why Anne Frank Is the Best
Anne Frank: The Whole Story to me actually told me allot about her life that I didn't even know. I've seen movies about anne frank but none like this it's very interesting and it also tells a little history of there lifestyle as jews and knowing Adolf Hitler was out to destroy them. and when she died at 15 years old even today she remains a spot light to young readers and remains in history she told you about her life in her diary the movie goes beyond that so in other words the movie is the best movie in the world
59 Powerful But Tragic Tale
Through many months of my early adolescence, which I spent cooped up behind the barbed wire fence of a military base in Texas, I'd considered Anne Frank's diary to be my best friend. I read it constantly, partially because I could identify with many of her experiences. I too have a sister who is three years older, who was a much better student than myself. I was born 40 years after Anne was, and am part of a minority group, and I can remember being tormented by certain people close to me and not being able to fight back very often. Like Anne, I also love to write.
That her diary is now the most widely read work of nonfiction after the Bible comes as no surprise to me now because the world is full of teenage girls in need of reassurance.
I taped just about every documentary and/or film on Anne Frank's life since my teens. This latest one, which reaffirms events first featured in Ernst Schnabel's 1958 biography on the last seven months of Anne's life, is definitely one of the most profound.
Hannah Taylor-Gordon's Anne Frank is the most accurately portrayed version of the character I've seen since Lisa Jacobs' portrayal in 1988. This actress who also appeared in "Jakob the Liar", another Holocaust drama, gives the young diarist the bubbly, effervescent personality described by those who knew her in real life. Ben Kingsley looks a lot like Otto Frank. His gentle, kind, authoritative mannerisms make it easy to accept him as the father on whom Anne doted. Jessica Manley's Margot has a gracious, ladylike quality like the real Margot Frank, and Tatjana Blacher's Edith Hollander-Frank is caring but overprotective towards her children.
About the only inaccuracy I can detect is the fact that in this miniseries, there was no rain falling the day the Franks went into hiding. Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of Mrs. Van Pels adds levity to life in the cramped attic. Nicholas Audsley's Peter is warm and amiable. New dimension is added to the lives of Van Pels and Dr. Pfeffer because we see more of what they were like before they went into hiding. The protectors of the Annexe members, led by Lili Taylor's Miep Gies were appropriately staid and stoic, looking very much like people who had to work hard to keep certain secrets hidden from the outside world and from other factory workers. Rob Das looks more like Jan Gies than any other actor I've seen portray him. The role of Charlotte Kaletta in boosting the morale of Fritz Pfeffer is included as well. Her ultimate reaction to his fate is a moving one.
The scenes of the refugees at Westerbork are somewhat hopeful looking, although viewers know that the worst is yet to come. Even as I watched the women of the annexe being shorn of their hair upon their arrival at Auschwitz, having read Melissa Mueller's book on which this film is based, I'd say that audiences should be greatful that Disney spares them the full reenactment of that degrading procedure because the hair on top of the heads of the prisoners was actually the last section of hair to go.
From there on in, Anne's life grows more and more abysmal, although she meets a few friends along the way. Of all the Secret Annexe members who perish in the death camps, the only death witnessed by the audience is the one which, by all accounts, finally defeated Anne. The film concludes with the revelations of what happened to Anne's friends and family. Some revelations were triumphant and others tragic.
To date this is one of the most emotional, complete, and reverently told versions of Anne Frank's life. --A highly commendable effort!
60 Best Portrayal I Have Seen
I have been studying the Holocaust ever since I was in the third grade, mostly because that's about the time that I read Anne Frank's diary. It has always been a very moving story to me. It has inspired me to read volumes about others who were in the same or worse situations. I have seen other movies about her, but this was by far the best portrayal that I have ever seen. Hannah Taylor-Gordon was Anne Frank to me. Every character that was selected to play in this movie was excellent. As to the scenes in the concentration camps, I think it is important to educate people about what happened. Some people say that it is a little much, but you know what, you can't change history. That is how it happened, horrible as it is to watch. Many of the survivors are beginning to die and if people aren't willing to pick up a book and read about it, I think the best way to educate people is to show them. Nothing like that should ever happen again. Never forget.
61 WHY ARE THE EXTRAS ON THE WEB SITE?
I haven't watched this yet, except for the first 20 minutes or so. I expect it to be great, based on all the reviews here. But...WHY did Buena Vista put all the "extras" on their Web Site (video.com) -- instead of on the DVD? There are some streaming videos on the Web site, some other information, etc., all of which should have been on this DVD. Yet, the only "extra" we get is a commercial for the DVD of "South Pacific."
62 AS POWERFUL AS SCHINDLER'S LIST ( Anne Frank 4 1/2 stars)
Anne Frank gets 4 1/2 stars, NOT 4.ANNE FRANK is the powerful story of a teenage girl put through the horrors of the concentration camps. This is the only movie I have ever seen that made me break down and cry. This movie in some ways is more powerful than Schindlers List (which is another powerful concentration camp drama)because it put these people in prospective. It felt like you knew Anne, she was easy to identify with, so you felt what she was going though throughout the whole movie. Disturbingly powerful, I loved this movie.
63 AS POWERFUL AS SCHINDLER'S LIST ( Anne Frank 4 1/2 stars)
Anne Frank gets 4 1/2 stars, NOT 4.ANNE FRANK is the powerful story of a teenage girl put through the horrors of the concentration camps. This is the only movie I have ever seen that made me break down and cry. This movie in some ways is more powerful than Schindlers list because it put these people in prospective. It felt like you knew Anne, so you felt what she was going though throughout the whole movie. Disturbingly powerful, I loved this movie.
64 I couldn't watch the whole thing.
When I saw this on ABC I was excited.I thought it would be a great movie.I know everyone pretty much knows what happend to the jews during this time,but still,it was way too much.The first part of the movie was fine.I thought that they portrayed Anne Frank's life well.The second part was very intense.I think ABC told the viewers which ages could handle this movie.I think the minimum age was 13,but let me tell you, it should have been twenty.I got to the part where Anne and her family went to the camps.I couldn't watch any more after they started to cut the hair.I don't think I have ever seen such a depressing,intense,and heart wrenching movie.I'm thirteen,and I'm sure different kids can handle different things.If your kid wants to see this movie,make sure they understand the history and what happened, and why it happened,and definatly make sure they can handle this kind of stuff.Of course I'm not against the movie,because I think it's good for adults and kids to see what happened back then.ABC did a wonderful job making this film realistic,and everything it is.I give it four stars because I couldn't shake off this depressing feeling,and the movie's bad immages for about two days.You should be the judge though,of what you think you can handle.
65 Startling and frightening
I pride myself on not crying at movies...I usually inwardly console myself, saying that it is 'just a movie' that didn't really happen. This movie left me with no such comfort. I read the Diary about two years ago, and it made me think about how this girl changed the world...and how similar she was to many people I know now. A normal teenager. I thought I would watch this movie when it was on TV, because the book was so spectacular. When I started watching, I got caught up in it, as though I was watching this wonderful documentary. I kept hoping that it wasn't true...that they would change the ending. At 9 o clock the next night, I was a totally different person. I saw the brutality and cruelty inflicted on this smart, kind, and powerful girl. She had mature thoughts which she wrote in her diary about love, life and the world around her. She was treated as an object instead of a person. Taken away from everything which she cared about...especially her father. And she died, 2 weeks before her camp was freed. And as I sat there, watching Ben Kingsley (the only actor who surpassed the power of the actress playing Anne) walk down the streets of Amsterdam after the war, the same street I had seen the night before. Anne was sauntering down the lovely walk way. The streets she peeked at through the window in the secret attic. I started to cry. I couldn't help it. It was just such an injustice that this person had to face this. He was so kind...such a good father and strong of character. Kingsley's powerful eyes made mine cringe with an odd pain. It was so hard to sit through this film of awesome standards. It took you to the places after the diary ends...to the places that we have before only imagined before shutting our eyes and telling ourselves that it wasn't like that. It showed the brutality that we couldn't of imagined. The symbolism was powerful..the reality painful. How could someone inflict such pain on others. Strip them of dignity and kill them? Innocent children, women and men. Take a whole community and lower the population of them by the millions. Ben Kingsley, a normally stunning actor was stunning and ominous all at the same time...such a gentle creature of a character he played that it was so obvious the pain he would have to accept.
This movie takes the startlingly poetic diary of a girl, and turns it into a startling portrail of hatred. When someone who doesn't like to cry out of pride, is brought down to sobs...you have something incredibly powerful.
66 Anne Frank A Truly Touching Miniseries
Anne Frank: The Whole Story is a movie that goes beyond what almost all Holocaust stories do. It is touching to the human spirit and how Anne's soul never gave up until the very end. Hannah Taylor Gordon, who was in Jakob the Liar, turns in a superb performance as the Anne Frank. She is able to show us how Anne reacted to everyday life and the inevitable death of her sister, Margot. Ben Kingsley is amazing as Otto Frank, a quiet subdued man who loved his family and was the only one to survive.
The most extraordinary part of this miniseries is the fact that the story keeps on going after they are taking to the Nazi concentration camp. We are seeing the unthinkable horrors and how fortunate we are to have not been a Jew prisoner in that camp. The pain and suffering of Anne and Margot is so well brought up that we feel sorry for these girls with dreams of the future. It is no wonder that this earned an Emmy nomination.
67 Great movie
I READ THE DIARY FOR SCHOOL AND I LIKED IT, THEN THE MOVIE CAME OUT AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD. THE END WAS SAD BUT IT WAS TRUE. THE MOVIE WAS GREAT AND I RECOMEND U BUY THIS MOVIE BECAUSE IT WAS EXTRORDANARY!
68 Finally I Can Own the Movie That Changed My Life!
In May 2001, I watched a movie that would forever change my life...and it's FINALLY available on DVD! It was this movie that introduced me to the REAL Anne Frank, not the over-dramatized, idealized Anne of previous movies. Throughout the movie, I was able to see that she was in fact a normal girl, with opinions about adolescent issues that still plague the world's youth today. (I should know being a 16-year old myself) After I saw this movie (and shed some tears), I immediately went on this site to order the diary, as well as Melissa Muller's Biography (both the books that formed the movie's foundation). I cannot stress how much this movie, as well as the diary, has changed my life. I see the world completely differently...no longer do I view the world solely through my own eyes, which have mostly been accustomed to the bliss of living in a peaceful New York suburb, but through Anne's words I can now picture the world sixty years ago, as it existed under the Nazi regime. Now as much as Anne had stressed love and forgiveness in her diary, I simply did not know how to feel at the conclusion of the movie. And THAT'S why it was so amzazing - because I had NEVER felt so many emotions pass through my mind at once -- Admiration and Love for Anne, Hate toward Nazi beliefs, but most of all, I was absolutely confused when I witnessed the impact the "Third Reich" had on human beings...not the impact it had on history and poitics as is taught in school, but on real people - people I can identify with and understand. Without the amazing job ABC has done making this movie (Scenery, Casting, etc), I cannot see myself reacting the same way. To conclude, I would like to recommend this movie (and diary) to anyone, especially adolescents, who would like to learn more about this extraordinary girl whose ideals would ironically outlast those of her persecutors.
69 Anne Frank:Alive Again
This movie was extremely touching and powerful. It should be shown in every school and every person should watch it.
I read Anne's diary several times so I am a huge fan. I love this movie. At times, it's hard to watch and very depressing so keep a box of Kleenex handy.
You'll feel like Anne is alive once again. Relive her triumphs-her first kiss with Peter, Her Downfalls-Being arrested, separated from her dear Pim, and her death.
When the movie is over you'll be stunned. You'll be bombarded with questions. Why? Why did this happen? What if? What if she and Margot had gotten to London with Otto's cousin then Otto would have survived (since he survived anyways)and Edith would have gotten on a work transport and wouldn't have gone crazy worrying for her daughters.
And probably the most important things are 1.You'll see Anne up close and personal and get a true understanding of the Holocaust 2. You'll be able to relate with Anne. Whether she lived 60 years ago or 6 you can say Exactly! or She's just a normal girl.
It's a powerful tribute to the young woman who became loved and respected by the whole world.
70 The best film based on the Anne Frank story!
Out of all the films on Anne Frank, I have to say this one is the absolute best. ABC/Disney did an incredible, flawless job on this production. All the actors were outstanding. As soon as I started watching this miniseries when it aired on TV, I was hooked. I had to watch the whole thing - that's how real and exciting it was. This film may not be for really little kids, especially when they are at the concentration camp, but it's a great, great film for most ages. I would recommend this film for children ten years old and older - even adults will enjoy this film. Anyone who is facinated by the story of Anne Frank will love and appreicate this film. I am so glad this film is finally out on video because I've been waiting and waiting for it to be out on video (I had forgotten to tape this film when I watched it on ABC). By the way, ANNE FRANK - THE WHOLE STORY is an Emmy Award nominee miniseries and I hope that this film wins all of the nominations it received because this is just superb! And Hannah Taylor-Gordan is absolutely superb; so is Ben Kingsley and the rest of the cast. If you missed this film when it aired on ABC, then I definitely recommend that you buy this video because I know you will not regret it.
71 ABC/Disney should be proud
With the TV miniseries quickly becoming a lost genre, it was a nice surprise to see this much better than average retelling of the Anne Frank Story. Hannah Taylor Gordon & Ben Kinsley as the central charachter's in this heart wrenching story are quite good but it is Lili Taylor's power-house performance as the Frank Family's confident that steals the show. There will be the inevidable comparison the the Oscar winning film, this production is better, with the exception of Brenda Blythe who can't hold a candle to Shelley Winters.
ABC & Disney shouls be very proud of this fine production which should be mandatory viewing for evey person over the age of 11.
72 Anne Frank is one of the best movies out there.
I recorded this movie on ABC for my sister, but instead of giving it to her, I kept it.I did not know what it would be about. I thought it would just about her diary and what she wrote. But the movie hardly mentions the diary, the movie goes beyond it, to show what happened to the family before going into hiding, when there in hiding, when they are discovered and put into concentration camps. The movie shows the concentration camps, which was very hard to watch. It showed what the Jews went through during the war. I am an Anne Frank finatic now. Hannah Taylor Gordon, is excellent at portraying Anne. Ben Kingsly is awesome as Otto "Pim" Frank. The cast all around is awesome. This movie is one of my favorites, and I'll keep it in my video library forver.
73 TEAR JERKER
THIS MOVIE WAS SOO GOOD AND EXCITING!I THINK THAT HANNAH TAYLOR-GORDON DID A FANTASTIC JOB IN THIS MOVIE AND JACOB THE LIAR.THE CONCENTRATION CAMP SCENSE WERE SOO REAL THAT WHEN U SAW IT U ACTUALLY UNDERSTOOD HOW MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING THEY WENT THROUGH!YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!
74 Comprehensive and Powerful
I found this miniseries to be one fo the most powerful Holocaust movies I have ever seen, and having myself just read the definitive edition of the diary, found such honest and revealing details of Anne's life to be both insightful and moving. With the original broadcast airing the concentration camp scenes without commerical interruption, I was glad to see the seriousness ABC/Disney took with its subject matter. A must see for any who have read the diary or study WWII and the Holocaust.
75 my rview
I loved the movie when it premiered. I was born in holland two years after the war. The movie was the first I've seen where she actually looks like Anne herself. I've always been interested in hostory and about miep gies. I recomend you buy this film.When I saw it I was touched and felt for the first time that a truly good Anne Frank film was made. From, Josephina Dolos-Jakobs
76 MOVIE IS WONDERFUL
I have seen this film when it aired on ABC, and I thought ABC/Disney did a wonderful job with it. This details the life of Anne Frank, in a very neat and wonderful way. You must see it!
77 Brilliant Adaptation
This is a fantastic project. It is rare when every single aspect of a film's production turns out to be so right on target. The production design is breathtaking, the cinematography impressive and the acting is unparalleled. All of the performers inhabit their characters to the point of perfection and I don't believe we have had a better interpretation of Anne Frank than Hannah Taylor Gordon's masterful portrayal. This is a film that should be seen by everyone, its power, even after repeated viewings, never diwndles.
78 One of the Best!
This was definitely one of the best movies I have ever seen! The acting in this movie was without a doubt very convincing. It really does transport you into another world. A world with love, hate, and heartache. This movie intrigued me so much that I am very interested in all of the movies and books about Anne Frank. I give this movie 5 stars!
79 AT LAST!
At last, this stunning ABC mini series is coming to video! (I am ordering mine as soon as I finish writing this review!).
At last we can see the full story, from before the diary and after, and it's everything we could imagine!
Hannah Taylor-Gordon plays Anne. After a pain-staking casting search, the requirements that the actress should bear a clear resemblance to the real girl and have a solid acting style were clearly found in Gordon. She is truly the epitome of what we envision Anne to be.
Rounding out the cast are Ben Kingsley as Otto Frank, Tatjana Blacher as Edith Frank, Brenda Blethyn as Auguste van Pels and Lili Taylor as Miep Gies.
Filmed on location in Prague, the entire production is flawless and is based on Melissa Muller's book on Anne, not on the actual diary itself.
If you love the story of Anne, you will love this new mini series. Your heart will sing, soar and break.
