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In Hebrew school and my middle school years, I gained knowledge about the atrocious murders of six million Jews during the Holocaust. This historical event has always filled me with a sense of fear and horror, as it reveals the depths to which evil can sink, particularly when it comes to my people. Movies like “Schindler’s List” and “The Pianist” offer a stark portrayal of the Holocaust, but I find solace in World War II films that strike a balance between depicting the brutal reality of that time and showcasing moments of humanity. As a Jew, it is essential for me to discuss five movies that have personally helped me come to terms with the horrors of WWII.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Initially, when the Italian masterpiece, “Life is Beautiful“, debuted, critics found discomfort with the blend of comedy in a Holocaust narrative. However, what perhaps eluded the reviewers was that the film’s comedic aspects were not intended to be insensitive. Instead, director and actor Roberto Benigni utilized humor as a satirical tool to denounce the heinous actions of the Nazis. For instance, his character, Guido, employed a false translation of Nazi orders to shield his son within a concentration camp, serving as a mockery of their inhumane practices.

In “Life is Beautiful,” the story unfolds with Guido and Giosuè being transported to concentration camps, initially presenting our main characters as ordinary individuals. Throughout the narrative, we witness Guido’s wit and intelligence win over a charming teacher, leading to the formation of a lovely family together, all before the Nazi regime relocated Jews to these camps.

One reason why the film Life is Beautiful touches my feelings deeply is its compelling father-son narrative. When Guido and Giosuè were apprehended, their devoted father invented a game where they earned points by concealing themselves from guards and remaining silent, with the victor leaving in a tank. This ruse was to protect his son from witnessing the horrors of the camps. By the end of the movie, I found myself shedding emotional tears, a blend of sorrow for those who didn’t make it out of the camps and joy for those who did.

Life is Beautiful is streaming on your MGM+ subscription.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

A film set during World War II, “Jojo Rabbit,” employs satire to depict Nazism in an unconventional manner. In this movie, director and actor Taika Waititi presents Adolf Hitler as a comical character, existing only in the mind of a young Nazi boy. Waititi believed that humor was the most effective method to narrate WWII’s story, offering a fresh perspective for audiences to learn about the atrocities of that grim era.

Taika Waititi’s comedic take on Hitler effectively portrayed him as a caricature of the infamous German dictator, shedding light on his insanity and inhumanity. Similarly, all other Nazi characters were depicted with exaggerated, gun-obsessed personalities that made them appear more laughable than terrifying due to their fanatical devotion to their regime.

Watching Jojo Rabbit felt invigorating to me. The transformation of Jojo’s harmful beliefs was captivating, as he initially thought killing Jews served Germany’s best interests. However, his life changed drastically when a Jewish girl was hidden in his home by his mother. This new relationship challenged the stereotypical Nazi behavior we would expect from Jojo. Despite the tragic consequences of prejudice, the film beautifully demonstrated the transformative power of empathy.

Jojo Rabbit is streaming on your Hulu subscription.

Jacob the Liar (1975)

In German-occupied Poland’s ghetto, the movie “Jacob the Liar,” starring Robin Williams, isn’t a comedy, but it does evoke a sense of positivity and joy. Despite the grim setting, Jacob (Williams) shares a rumor he heard about the approaching Soviet Army liberating Germany with his friend, offering him hope at a time when all seemed lost. Inspired by this news, Jacob then started sharing fabricated news to boost the morale of the people around him.

In a setting where Jakob wasn’t portrayed as a combatant or an instigator, he nonetheless performed a heroic deed by offering hope to those trapped within the ghetto. Amidst Poland’s oppression under Nazi rule, the world seemed somewhat lighter for all who heard Jakob. The film’s central figure also managed to bring cheer to Lina, a young girl in his care, who previously felt fearful but now found solace in Jakob’s tales. The movie sparked an ethical dilemma: Is it morally wrong to lie if it means saving another person’s life?

Jakob the Liar is available on your Kanopy subscription.

The Great Dictator (1940)

Should any timeless actor from the ’20s and ’30s be able to tickle your funny bone, it’s none other than filmmaker Charlie Chaplin. Known for his British wit, Chaplin might not have been aware of all the horrors inflicted by Hitler when he created The Great Dictator, but it remains a brilliant satire on the ambitious and power-hungry Nazi leader nonetheless.

In one of his most notable dual roles, Charlie Chaplin played both a victimized Jewish barber and a ruthless dictator in the fictional nation of Tomainia, known as Adenoid Hynkel. This was Chaplin’s debut in “talkies,” but he didn’t shy away from poking fun at Hitler’s distinctive characteristics, such as his salute, and even creating an absurd language for the character. Notably, despite being a sound film, Chaplin’s physical comedy remained prevalent through his satire of Hitler, such as the memorable scene where Hynkel comically danced with a globe.

One memorable moment that consistently brings a smile to my face isn’t humor-based but rather a potent speech from a movie that continues to carry relevance today. In the film, a Jewish barber transformed himself into the Tomainian dictator and eloquently addressed an assembly, calling for an end to tyranny, racism, and hatred. The message still rings true, inspiring us to strive for a world filled with empathy and kindness.

The Great Dictator is available on your Max subscription.

The Producers (1967)

Initially, Mel Brooks crafted an exceptional film titled “The Producers“, demonstrating his knack for creating satires to the viewing public. This is a must-see if you’re seeking a boost, as it narrates the tale of two swindlers who attempt to deceive investors by intentionally producing a failure, only to end up keeping all the excess funds themselves. It’s fascinating how they bet on a musical glorifying Hitler to bomb, yet audiences saw it as a satire and made it successful! I can assure you that the catchy tune “Springtime For Hitler” will linger in your mind for quite some time after watching the movie.

The charm of “The Producers” lies in Mel Brooks’ method of employing humor to undermine the authority of Nazis and strip the German dictator of his intimidating aura. Being Jewish himself and a WWII veteran, Brooks enabled Jewish characters to exploit the system, outwit everyone, and demonstrate how ludicrous fascism was by making it seem absurd. This film didn’t shy away from the atrocities of history, but used humor as a means to combat prejudice, transforming Hitler into a laughing stock so he would never be regarded seriously again.

The Producers is available on your Kanopy subscription.

It’s always heartbreaking for me to reflect on the countless Jews who perished during the Holocaust, but watching inspiring films set in that tragic era offers a glimmer of hope. These movies remind me of the Jewish tradition of using humor as a form of resistance. They provide solace by showing how the darkness of WWII can be momentarily dispelled with comedy, and they give me the chance to witness characters bringing light into the lives of those who desperately need it.

2025-05-27 21:08

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