Watch The Cross and the Star

The Cross and the Star is a thought-provoking documentary directed by John J. Michalczyk, released in 1999. The film is set against the backdrop of World War II and follows the story of two people- a Catholic priest and a Jewish professor, whose lives were profoundly changed by the war. The movie is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on Father Bernard Lichtenberg, a Catholic priest in Berlin, Germany, who spoke out against the Nazi regime and eventually paid the ultimate price for his beliefs. The film chronicles his journey from an anonymous parish priest to a national figure whose defiance of the Nazis helped galvanize resistance against the regime. Using archival footage and interviews with people who knew him, the director brings to life the story of this extraordinary man and his courage in the face of persecution.

The second half of the film shifts its focus to Joseph Wulf, a Jewish historian who was a survivor of the concentration camps. Wulf spent many years of his life documenting the atrocities of the war and the Holocaust, in an attempt to ensure that the world would never forget the horrors that occurred. Through interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, the documentary explores Wulf's life and legacy, including his determination to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and his eventual suicide.

Throughout the movie, the director contrasts the stories of Lichtenberg and Wulf, highlighting the similarities and differences between these two individuals who had such different experiences during the war. The film also explores broader themes related to the intersection of religion and politics, the nature of totalitarianism, and the role of memory and remembrance in shaping our understanding of the past.

One of the strengths of The Cross and the Star is the way in which it uses archival footage to bring the stories of Father Lichtenberg and Joseph Wulf to life. The director has assembled a wealth of material, including photographs, newsreel footage, and personal letters, which provide a vivid and compelling picture of life in Germany during the war. The interviews with people who knew Lichtenberg and Wulf also add a personal dimension to the film, helping to humanize these two historical figures and connect viewers with their stories on a more emotional level.

Another strength of the documentary is the way in which it highlights the importance of remembering the past. The film makes a compelling case for why it is essential that we continue to document and remember the atrocities of the Holocaust, even as the survivors and witnesses to these events grow fewer in number. The director also touches on the ongoing debates about how to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and the challenges that arise when attempting to convey the horrors of the past to future generations.

Overall, The Cross and the Star is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an important chapter in history. By exploring the stories of Father Lichtenberg and Joseph Wulf, the film provides a unique perspective on the war and its aftermath, while also raising broader questions about memory, remembrance, and the role of history in shaping our understanding of the world.