FILM: Katyn & The Death of a Polish President
Was reading this article, "Layers of History and Grief in Katyn," and thought this film needed a mention as the Polish president died in transit to Katyn. President Kaczyński was planning commemorate the Russian massacre of 20,000+ Polish troops during WWII that was only acknowledged by the Russian Federation in 2005!
As a film from master Polish director Andrzej Wajda I thought it did not develop characters enough to deftly move between the city and country plot lines - as a result I didn't feel the cumulative horror as much as I should have.
From a historical point of view, the film is a revelation. As Americans, we're used to focusing on Nazi atrocities of WWII while brushing over the cruelty Stalin and the Soviets used to crush their physical and philosophical enemies. It is certainly worth watching and perhaps teaching clips from the film in classes.
The official web site = http://www.viipillars.com/katyn/
The trailer...
If you dig info on foreign films do consider joining the Foreign Films for the Classroom group!
As a film from master Polish director Andrzej Wajda I thought it did not develop characters enough to deftly move between the city and country plot lines - as a result I didn't feel the cumulative horror as much as I should have.
From a historical point of view, the film is a revelation. As Americans, we're used to focusing on Nazi atrocities of WWII while brushing over the cruelty Stalin and the Soviets used to crush their physical and philosophical enemies. It is certainly worth watching and perhaps teaching clips from the film in classes.
The official web site = http://www.viipillars.com/katyn/
The trailer...
If you dig info on foreign films do consider joining the Foreign Films for the Classroom group!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lindsay Lombardi on
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A great book that supplements this film is In My Hands: Memoirs of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdyke. The story addresses the hardships the polish citizens experienced by the Nazis and the Russians. Interesting and different perspective.
-Lindsay -
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Permalink Reply by Ryan Goble on
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LL,
Thanks for this additional idea!
RRG:) -
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