Star
rating - 7/10
It's unusual to tell a story from the point of view of
Nazi sympathisers, but in Lore, that
is exactly what director Cate Shortland does. The film, based on a book by
Rachel Seifert, begins as Hitler has just committed suicide, and so ended the hopes
and dreams of world domination by his followers. Specifically, this film
explores the point of view of the children of Nazis, innocents to a degree, but
who have become imbibed with the dogma and prejudice of their parents.
Hannelore, the Lore of the title, is left to cope as
her father and mother have fled to avoid capture by the Allied forces sweeping
through Germany. She struggles against all odds to lead her younger brothers
and sisters to her grandmother's house in Hamburg. Saskia Rosendahl gives a
tremendous performance as the young girl, with so much responsibility put on
her shoulders, including a baby brother whose constant cries for food are heart
wrenching.
She is saved from capture by the benevolent
intervention of a Jewish boy, played by Kai Malina, who pretends they are his
family. It is fascinating viewing to see Lore struggle with her deep seated
contempt and loathing for Jewish people, but her bond with the boy grows in
spite of this.
Lore is a dark and brooding film, with no easy
answers or glib happy endings. It is not exactly an easy watch, but definitely
worth it for the strong performances of the young central characters.
This is gorgeous!
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