What We Do Is Who We Are
Chronology
Told through the eyes of a strong-willed woman, the remarkable story of Irena Gut recounts the triumph of the human spirit over devastating tragedy as she risked her life to save a generation of Jews from the atrocities of the Holocaust. Although this Canadian film was released in many more Canadian theaters than the typical Canadian film, for some reason its distributor, Elevation Pictures, decided not to allocate a substantial marketing budget to the film. As a result, the film performed poorly at the box office and was pulled from most theaters after its third week of release. Irena Gut Opdyke: What Does It Matter Who We Are? BoumMusic by Charles TrenetLyrics by Charles TrenetPerformed by Charlie and His Orchestra.
Greetings from the Darkness Again
This is based on the true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, who vowed during World War II, “If I could save one life, I would.” The film, directed by Louise Archambault, was adapted for the screen by Dan Gordon, author of the hit Broadway play. Over the years, cinema has often been used to shine a light on the many who, out of altruistic action, protected Jews from the Nazis. Some of these heroes saved one life, others hundreds. The courage of these people deserves to be remembered. The film begins in 1939, as Germany invades Warsaw.
and she does so literally under Rugmer’s feet
A bomb falls on the hospital where Irena (Sophie Nelisse) works. She is Polish, not Jewish, and is therefore sent to work in a munitions factory. Because of her facial features, she is recognized by high-ranking German officer Rugmer (Dougray Scott, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, 2011) and appointed overseer of Jews working in a hotel laundry. When Rugmer transfers her again, this time as a housekeeper in his private villa, she learns that the Jews in the laundry are being sent to a concentration camp. We are fascinated by Irena’s work in rescuing and then hiding these twelve people…
Humor is barely present here
Of course, in doing so she puts herself and the hidden Jews in danger, but also Rugmer, who would surely be shot if they were discovered in his house. In fact, it leads to one of the most horrific scenes you will ever see in a film. It’s a devastating moment and one that I won’t be banishing from my memory anytime soon. In a rare flash of levity, Irena befriends an elderly servant named Schultz (Andrzej Seweryn, SCHINDLER’S LIST, 1993), who advises her to keep a low profile and “know nothing.” Fans of the old Heroes series will appreciate the connection. The current issue of anti-Semitism gives this series a somewhat contemporary feel, as does the abortion discussion among those in hiding.
A presentation by Fathom Events on April 15 and 16, 2024
At first we wonder if this was for dramatic effect, although the answer becomes quite clear in the credits. Sophie Nelisse was exceptional in THE BOOK THIEF and here again she is great in the role of Irena Gut Opdyke, who much later in life was named Righteous Among the Nations… after being imprisoned for her support of the Nazis. The epilogue explains much of what happened, and all of it leaves us with the utmost respect for this quiet, brave woman.
