Watch We Were German Jews

We Were German Jews, released in 1981, is a documentary-style film that depicts the life of a Jewish family in Germany before and during the Nazi regime. The movie is directed by Tilman Jens and Klaus Wildenhahn and stars Herbert Strauss, Lotte Strauss, and their three children, Ruth, Peter, and Tom. The film begins with the Strausses' recollection of their childhood in Germany, where they lived in a comfortable and pleasant environment. They talk about the social and cultural life of the town where they grew up and about their early school days. However, as the political climate in Germany began to shift, the family's peaceful existence was threatened.

The documentary uses a combination of interviews, historical footage, and family photos to paint a detailed picture of the daily life of the Strausses during the rise of the Nazi regime. When restrictions are placed on Jews, the family begins to feel the pressure of discrimination. Herbert Strauss loses his job, and the family's financial situation becomes increasingly difficult.

The second half of the movie depicts the family's efforts to flee Germany and their struggles to establish themselves in their new country - Colombia. The Strausses talk about the difficulties they faced as they tried to integrate into this new society and the challenges they encountered in overcoming the trauma of the Holocaust.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way it portrays the psychological impact of being forced to leave one's homeland. The Strausses discuss the sense of loss and dislocation they felt as they started their new life in Columbia. They describe the sense of isolation they felt and the difficulty of building new connections with other people.

The movie's cinematography is notable for its use of a handheld camera that gives the film an intimate, documentary-style feel. The camera follows the family as they navigate their new surroundings and capture their daily life in Colombia.

Throughout the film, Herbert and Lotte Strauss are the heart and soul of the story. They speak candidly about their struggles and losses, but also about the joy they found in their new life. Despite the hardships they faced, the family remained resilient, and the film's message is ultimately one of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

We Were German Jews is a powerful and thought-provoking film that provides a rare glimpse into the lives of those affected by the Holocaust. The movie's intimate portrayal of the Strausses' struggles to build a new life after the loss of their homeland is both moving and inspiring. The film's historical perspective is an important reminder of the atrocities of the past and the need for us to remain vigilant against discrimination and intolerance.

We Were German Jews is a 1981 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.