Watch And Along Come Tourists

And Along Come Tourists is a poignant and heartwarming German drama film directed by Robert Thalheim. The movie tells the story of a young German man named Sven (Alexander Fehling), who volunteers to work at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland. Sven's job is to take care of the site and help visitors navigate the exhibits while trying to process the immense tragedy that happened there.

Sven's arrival in Auschwitz is met with skepticism and hostility from the locals, who are wary of outsiders coming in to witness their painful history. He is taken under the wing of a local tour guide named Stanislaw (Ryszard Ronczewski), who is deeply connected to the site and the stories that it holds. Despite their language barrier and cultural differences, Sven and Stanislaw form a meaningful friendship that helps them both come to terms with their respective pasts.

Through Sven's eyes, the movie explores the complexities of memory, guilt, and grief. Sven is a curious and empathetic young man who wants to understand what happened at Auschwitz and how it continues to shape the world today. He is confronted with the harsh reality of the Holocaust and the profound sadness that comes with bearing witness to such unspeakable atrocities.

And Along Come Tourists manages to strike the right balance in its portrayal of the Holocaust. It is respectful and somber without being overly sentimental or exploitative. The film does not shy away from showing the horrors of Auschwitz, but it does so in a way that is stark and understated. The camera lingers on the empty barracks, the crematoriums, and the gas chambers, forcing the viewer to confront the magnitude of what happened there.

However, the movie is not all gloom and doom. There are moments of humor and warmth, particularly in Sven's interactions with Stanislaw. The two men have a sweet and simple friendship that is grounded in a mutual respect for each other's grief. They find solace in each other's company and share quiet moments of reflection as they walk through the site.

Another important aspect of the film is its exploration of how different people process and cope with trauma. Sven is initially overwhelmed by his experience at Auschwitz and struggles to find his place within the site. He is haunted by the ghosts of the past and feels that he cannot do justice to the memories of those who died there. On the other hand, Stanislaw has spent his entire life grappling with the aftermath of the Holocaust. He has made it his life's work to educate others about its horrors and is a passionate defender of its importance.

The performances in the movie are fantastic, particularly Ryszard Ronczewski's portrayal of Stanislaw. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, imbuing Stanislaw with a deep sense of pain and purpose. Alexander Fehling is also excellent as Sven, conveying his character's vulnerability and curiosity. The two actors have a natural chemistry that makes their friendship feel genuine and earned.

Overall, And Along Come Tourists is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a nuanced exploration of the personal toll of the Holocaust. It is a testament to the power of human connection in the face of unspeakable tragedy, and a reminder that the past is never truly gone.