Anne Frank (2001) [DVD]

I hadn't read Anne Frank's diary, nor any of the books about it, but knew the history before watching this DVD (including having an excellent guide take me through Auschwitz-Birkenau last year). As a result, I cannot compare the DVD with the diary itself, but look at it from the viewpoints of its importance and simply as a film (although one in two parts).Although it told what happened, and some of the acting was very good (particularly Ben Kingsley as Otto Frank), this DVD felt like it had been sanitised for a younger audience, missing the atmosphere, tension, fear and sheer brutality that it could have conveyed. Not having read the diary, I don't know if this is because the DVD reflects how the diary of a girl/young woman was written, or whether it is purely a case of how the production company decided to present it for a particular target audience.Assuming that this was produced with a young audience in mind, it's perfectly adequate, and certainly something to base discussion around, whether as part of a school curriculum or as part of discussion at home. For an older audience who already know much about the horrors committed during WW2, the diary of Anne Frank is definitely something that should be read or viewed, but I think I would recommend reading it rather than watching this DVD (unless you want to do both).It is far from impossible that history could repeat itself, but I would like to think that it is less likely if people know what has happened before. Unfortunately, even that is no guarantee. However, it is still important that people know. To that end, for an older audience, I'd recommend some (subtitled) Polish-language films about WW2, including Katyn. For secondary school age and above, the series "The World at War" available on DVD is excellent viewing. For early secondary school age (say 11-13), this DVD of Anne Frank might be useful, but for ages above that I'd suggest reading the diary or one of the books about the diary. For things that have happened since WW2 that demonstrate just how easily such things can happen again, I'd recommend some of John Pilger's DVDs.DVD of Anne Frank recommended for early secondary-school age range.

If you are looking for a film which details the horrors and suffering endured during the Holocaust this is one to watch. The film is based upon the Biography of Anne Frank, an Austrian Born jew who is forced to go into hiding with her mother, father, sister, and 4 other people. The film details what life was like before the war for the Jewish family living in Holland, what happened during the occupation and why they were forced into hiding. Unlike other Anne Frank films, this one tells the story from several different angles, including the viewpoint of those who helped the Franks whilst in hiding. The film details who betrayed the family and what happens next after capture, all of which is based upon true evidence.The film, which is classified as a Cert12 is ideal for those who are studying the Holocaust for History at both KS2 and KS3 as the cert12 rating is not really warranted. Our 7 year old daughter watched the film and was not distraught at what she saw, only saddened that the oppression was allowed to happen. Although the film is very long (over 3 hours) it is split into 2 sections, which make good discussion points for lessons. The film also contains actual news-reel footage from the time of the oppression of the Jews during the war, which ties in nicely with the context of the film and shows the real horrors.This is one factual story not to be missed. It is moving and thought provoking and provides a very real insight into what life must have been like for those millions of Jews who suffered under the reign of Hitler.Although this is similar in context to Schindlers List the film is more realistic and thought provoking as it told from the eyes of a 13 year old. A young adult who has only been caught up in the Holocaust because of her religion, when Anne wrote the diary she was an innocent child, and when the diary was publiushed she was a further statistic, just one of the millions who died under Hitlers regime. This is one story of the many who were forced into hiding, but probably the most famous one. Let the memory of Anne Frank live on and do not pass this film by!

This is probably the best adaptation there is of the Anne Frank story. I say that, there is a new one on BBC coming out so I shall wait for that but until then I'd recommend this one.Most of the other reviewers have already said what has to be said about this DVD so I shall just add that I think that it is a shame that this film does not have extracts of the diary narrated. It's a small point but important. But since I have rated this 5 stars anyway it is still really powerful and I'll say that even the most manly of men (me being one of them) will be moved by this stunning film. If they are not then I wouldn't boast about it.This DVD does have some historical inaccuracies, blah blah, but those are so small that all you have to do is remember that we still do not know who betrayed Anne Frank and look on wikipedia for the rest. It really does not spoil the film.I know this has already been mentioned (if it hasn't then I'll be the first to say it), Hannah Taylor-Gordon's acting really makes all the difference. I'm surprised we have not seen more of her. Fingers crossed we will thoughAnd another note, this DVD is nicely cheap (at least it is at the time of writing this)so even if you are still undecided then take this opportunity and get it. You will not regret it.

Excellent and harrowing film with a great cast who all did justice to the true story. The actress who plays Anne Frank really brings Anne's personality alive. Ben Kingsley and Brenda Blethyn were fantastic too in their take on Otto Frank and the 'annoying' Mrs Van Pelt. I was a young girl when I first visited the annex house (Het Achterhuis in Dutch) back in the eighties and it made a very big impression to me. What's so sad that so many young people with dreams didn't get to fulfill them. Anne dreaming of a life after the war but sadly died with sister Margot a few months shy from the end of the war.