![]() ![]() This dreary feel makes the color, life, and symbolism of the paintings that the Jews in hiding put on the wall stand out, giving the campers a deeper identity. There is a brilliant use of pastels and bright natural greens that turn dewy and sad as the bombs destroy the walls, the animals die, and the zoo is essentially abandoned. The aesthetics of the zoo are stylistic and portray a happy, beautiful place with the purity of many loving, innocent animals. The true compassion in Chastain and Heldenbergh’s characters is tear-jerking and their performances, especially Chastain’s, only increase as such. I find this to be the most brutally honest, touching, and ghastly moment in the film. ![]() He witnesses the young girl being pulled into an alley and takes a risk to rescue her when he sees what has happened. ![]() It also forms a connection between her and Johan Heldenbergh’s character. The rape itself is not shown, but the aftermath and its effects on the young girl are, consequently bringing up a point that many Holocaust films fail to call attention to. Some critics disapprove of rape as a plot device I do think there is a right and wrong way to incorporate it, and this film does it well. The Nazis are repeatedly shown throughout the film as absolutely evil as they should be, as they shoot people with no reason or remorse, but especially as they rape a young Jewish girl. For instance, the first woman that is agreed upon to be housed with the family is supposedly their best friend, one of the most important people in their lives, but she comes out of nowhere and her character is never developed in any capacity.ĭespite the lack of character development in the supporting characters, there is success to be found in the amount of pain and sympathy the audience feels when they die or get hurt. Although the loving aspect with the animals is appreciated, I would’ve expected at least an equivalent depth of connection among the characters. This connection leads to heartbreak for the audience when the animals are killed and adds hatred to the unsympathetic German soldiers. This not only shows the love and care in Chastain’s heart, but also forms a connection with the animals who are later killed by the german soldiers. For example, the audience absolutely falls in love with Jessica Chastain’s character as she saves a baby elephant toward the beginning of the film. ![]() The use of animals really contributes to the empathy and character depth, as the connection between the family and the animals is so well developed. This may look cute and cuddly, but I can’t help but imagine the fear going through Chastain’s mind Using a good mix of emotional beats, THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE emphasizes kindness and compassion while staying true to the horrific brutality that was the truth of the Holocaust. There is a lot more violence shown than one would expect for a film that was advertised to be quite family-friendly, but the honesty to such violence is appreciated in that it stays true to the story and doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the suffering that has occurred. Through its use of animals, intimate storytelling, pleasing aesthetics, and empathetic characters, THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE is not just another war movie it is a completely heartbreaking watch. A brutal watch, THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE is a poignant portrayal of the incredible true story of a family that sheltered and saved Jewish people during the Holocaust. Especially now, in such times of fear and uncertainty, it is important to recognize the horrors that man is capable of and be sure to avoid ever letting history repeat itself. Every once in awhile it’s good to have a reminder of the heinous times our world has seen, but not without a glimmer of faith in humanity. ![]()
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