Watch Korczak

Set in the early years of World War II, Korczak is a deeply moving and powerful drama that tells the story of Dr. Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish doctor and writer who was best known for his work advocating for children's rights. The film portrays Korczak's struggle to save the orphaned children in his care from the horrors of the Holocaust.

At the center of the film is Korczak himself, played with incredible depth and nuance by acclaimed Polish actor Wojciech Pszoniak. We see Korczak as a man of deep moral conviction, dedicated to his work with children even in the face of overwhelming danger. He is a symbol of courage and hope in a time of darkness, and his story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The film begins in Warsaw in the early years of the war, as Korczak is running an orphanage for Jewish children. Despite the mounting danger, Korczak refuses to abandon his charges and instead stays with them to the bitter end, even as the Nazis move ever closer to the city. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, Korczak's resolve is tested to its limit, and he must make painful choices in order to keep the children safe.

Throughout the film, we also see the relationships that develop between Korczak and the children under his care. He is a beloved father figure to them, and they see him as their protector and guide through the horrors of the war. The performances of the child actors are particularly strong, and their interactions with Korczak are deeply affecting.

As the war intensifies and the threat of deportation to the concentration camps looms ever larger, Korczak faces his toughest challenge yet. He must find a way to protect his children while keeping faith with his principles, even as the world around him falls apart. The scenes of the deportation itself are among the most powerful in the film, as we see the children being led away from the orphanage by Nazi soldiers.

Throughout the film, the shadow of the Holocaust looms over everything, and the horrors of the war are always present. But at the same time, the film is infused with a sense of hope and human connection. Korczak's unwavering devotion to the children in his care is a powerful reminder of the good that humans are capable of, even in the most trying of circumstances.

Overall, Korczak is a masterful film that explores the themes of courage, love, and sacrifice in times of great darkness. It is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and hope, even in the face of the greatest tragedies. The acting is superb, the cinematography is haunting, and the story is deeply moving. Anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust or in the power of the human spirit would do well to see this film.

Korczak is a 1990 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.