Watch Waiting for Anya

Waiting for Anya is a heartwarming drama film directed by Ben Cookson based on Michael Morpurgo's novel of the same name. The movie is set during World War II and highlights the courage and resilience of the human spirit amidst oppression and violence. The story revolves around a young shepherd boy named Jo (Noah Schnapp) who lives in a small village nestled in the French Pyrenees. He leads a simple life tending to his father's sheep and spending time with his grandfather, Benjamin (Anjelica Huston), who tells him stories about the resistance movement.

Jo's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes involved with the local resistance and is tasked with helping Jewish children escape to neighboring Spain. With the help of a veteran smuggler named Benjamin (Thomas Kretschmann), Jo learns the ropes and becomes a significant asset to the resistance effort.

As he becomes more involved with the resistance, Jo befriends a young girl named Anya (Anjelica Huston) who is also trying to escape to Spain. Together, Jo and Anya embark on a treacherous journey through the mountains, facing many obstacles and dangers along the way.

Throughout the movie, we see the bravery of the characters as they stand up against the Nazis, risking their lives to save others. We also witness the horror of war and the toll it takes on both individuals and communities.

The performances in the movie are excellent, with Noah Schnapp delivering a standout performance as Jo. He portrays the boy's innocence and courage in a way that is both compelling and emotional. Thomas Kretschmann and Frederick Schmidt also give convincing performances as seasoned smugglers, bringing a sense of authenticity to their roles.

The cinematography in Waiting for Anya is stunning, with breathtaking views of the mountainous backdrop and the beautiful French countryside. The movie's score also complements the visuals, layering the emotional weight of the story with a beautiful soundtrack.

Overall, Waiting for Anya is a touching and inspiring movie that highlights the power of compassion, selflessness, and bravery in the face of adversity. It is a story of hope and determination, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are still acts of kindness and heroism that bring light to the world.

Waiting for Anya is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 38.