Divided We Fall Film Analysis

The film Divided We Fall is a 2000 Czech production that conveys the fear of ordinary people recuing Jews during the Holocaust. In the film, a childless Czech couple, Marie and Josef, is conflicted to hide an escaped Jew, David, who was the son of Josef’s former employer. The couple goes through extraordinary measures to keep the young Jew a secret. Along with the film’s storyline, the director, Jan Hřebejk, reveals the complex relationship between Czechs, Germans, and Jews. For example, although Josef despises the Nazis, he is obligated to collaborate with them to avoid suspicion of who he was hiding. Overall, the film offers the idea of people becoming heroes against their will to protect Jews during the Holocaust.
Moreover, Divided We Fall
Unlike other Holocaust films that show the tragedy Jews experienced, Dived We Fall offers a different view of the Third Reich.
Techniques and Narrative Strategies:

Divided We Fall used techniques and narrative strategies that enhanced the storyline of the film. One technique that helped depict the fear of recuing escaped Jews during the Holocaust was the use of humor. The humor entertained viewers while educating them about the acts and emotions of the Holocaust. The film also used costumes and backdrops that brought the film to life due its accuracy of the 1940’s. Additionally, the use of certain camera effects made the film look older than what it was, which helped portray the time period of the film.
Furthermore, the film used tense music when the characters were conflicted or in danger. This technique made the audience worry for the characters and predict what was going to occur. By the end of the film, cheerful music was played to show the relief and happiness characters felt due to the war ending. Lastly, the lighting of the film helped illustrate the mood of the film. Overall, the film’s techniques helped bring the story to