🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the heart-wrenching documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War,” viewers are taken on a gripping journey back to the brink of World War II, where the courageous American couple, Waitstill and Martha Sharp, risked everything to save countless lives from the clutches of the Nazi regime. Set in 1939, the film unveils the untold story of the Sharps, a Unitarian minister and a trained social worker from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who made the harrowing decision to leave their children in the care of their parish and embark on perilous missions across war-torn Europe.
As the world teetered on the edge of chaos, the Sharps fearlessly plunged into the heart of danger, determined to assist refugees fleeing the brutal Nazi occupation. Over the course of two treacherous years, they navigated through the shadows of Europe, from Prague to Paris, risking their own lives to offer a glimmer of hope to those in desperate need. Their selfless actions resulted in the salvation of hundreds of imperiled Jews and political dissidents, shining a light of compassion in the darkest of times.
Directed by the acclaimed Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” unveils the extraordinary courage and unwavering determination of Waitstill and Martha Sharp. Through their harrowing journey, the film sheds light on a chapter of history where ordinary individuals rose to become unsung heroes, defying tyranny and standing up for humanity in the face of unspeakable evil. Join the Sharps on their awe-inspiring mission, where every step taken was a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Tom Hanks, Marina Goldman
Movie Casting:
| Actor/Role | Crew | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ken Burns | Co-Director and Executive Producer | Ken Burns has been making films for more than thirty years. His films have won twelve Emmy Awards and two Oscar nominations. |
| Artemis A.W. Joukowsky III | Co-Director and Co-Producer | Artemis has served as Executive Producer of the HBO film, Cries From Syria. He is also a PBS Producer and Co-director with Ken Burns of Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War. |
| Matthew Justus | Producer | Matthew Justus is an Emmy-nominated documentary and commercial filmmaker based in San Francisco. He has worked on productions for HBO, PBS, the BBC, and more. |
| Michael Peyser | Co-Executive Producer | Michael Peyser is an accomplished producer of major studio movies and independent films. He was executive producer of Woody Allen: A Documentary and U23D. |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to embark on a journey through history with “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War”? This documentary might seem generic at first glance, but let me assure you, it’s anything but ordinary. Strap in as we delve into the remarkable true story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp.
Picture this: a Unitarian minister and a trained social worker in 1939 boldly commit to risking their lives to save others during World War II. Sounds like a plot straight out of a Hollywood movie, right? Well, this time, reality is more captivating than fiction.
As the film unfolds, you can’t help but be drawn into the world of the Sharps. Their courage and selflessness shine through even in the darkest moments of history. The narrative might have its ups and downs, but the essence of their sacrifice remains unwavering.
Acting and Characters
- The portrayals by the actors in this documentary are nothing short of stellar. You’ll find yourself emotionally invested in Waitstill and Martha’s journey from start to finish.
- The real-life footage and interviews add an authentic touch to their characters, making you feel like you’re right there beside them during their daring missions.
Direction and Cinematography
- Kudos to Ken Burns for his masterful direction that brings out the raw emotions of this historical account. The way he captures each moment with precision is commendable.
- The cinematography beautifully complements the narrative, transporting you back in time to witness the challenges faced by the Sharps with vivid clarity.
Production Design and Score
- The attention to detail in recreating the wartime settings is praiseworthy. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, immersing you in the authenticity of that era.
- The score elevates every scene, evoking a range of emotions that tug at your heartstrings. It perfectly underscores the tension and triumphs experienced by Waitstill and Martha.
Binge-watching Tips: For an enhanced viewing experience, immerse yourself fully in this gripping story by watching it in one sitting. Let the bravery of the Sharps unfold before your eyes without interruptions.
Now, as we reach the climax of our review journey, I urge you to ponder on this: What would you do if faced with such extraordinary circumstances? Would you defy all odds like Waitstill and Martha Sharp?
In conclusion, “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” is not just another war documentary; it’s a testament to human resilience and compassion in times of turmoil. Let their story inspire you to stand up for what is right, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem.
Rating: 8/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Remarkable true story of sacrifice | Generic documentary style |
| Heroic actions of the subjects | Some parts of the film may feel slow |
| Little-known rescue mission during WWII | Not very engaging for all viewers |
Feedback
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Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War (2016) - IMDb
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War: Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker, in February 1939, boldly commit to a life-threatening mission in Europe … Read allDefying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War: Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker, in February 1939, boldly commit to a life-threatening mission in Europe to assist refugees.Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War: Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker, in February 1939, boldly commit to a life-threatening mission in Europe to assist refugees.
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Watch Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War | Ken Burns | PBS
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Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ Wartells the story of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It tells the previously untold account of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to a life-threatening mission in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped save scores of imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
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Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War - Wikipedia
Defying the Nazis: Sharps’ Waris a 2016 documentary film directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky. The film is about the previously untold story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to a life-threatening mission in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped to save scores of imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing Nazi occupation across Europe.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the documentary film “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War,” directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, viewers are taken on a gripping journey into the courageous actions of Waitstill and Martha Sharp. This American minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, left their children in the care of their parish to embark on a perilous mission in Europe during the Nazi occupation. Over two harrowing years, they risked their lives to save numerous imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing the tyranny of the Nazis.
The production of the film was a collaboration between Florentine Media and No Limits Media, with Artemis Joukowsky expanding on his previous work from 2012 titled “Two Who Dared: The Sharps’ War.” One significant addition to this documentary was the voice acting of Tom Hanks, who lent his talents to portray Waitstill Sharp.
The story of the Sharps is a testament to the resilience and bravery of individuals who stood up against injustice in one of the darkest periods of modern history. Through their selfless actions, Waitstill and Martha Sharp not only saved lives but also inspired future generations to defy oppression and fight for what is right.
“Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” is a poignant and powerful reminder of the impact that ordinary people can have in extraordinary circumstances when they choose to take a stand against tyranny and hatred. The film serves as a tribute to the courage and compassion of the Sharps, whose legacy continues to shine as a beacon of hope in a world that still grapples with the shadows of intolerance and injustice.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-14
Age Rating:
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War is rated PG for some thematic elements and brief mild language. This documentary is suitable for all ages but may require parental guidance for younger viewers due to the historical context and mature themes depicted.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
- There are no sexual scenes, nudity, or sexual content in the movie.
Violence & Gore:
- The movie contains historical footage of war and violence, including scenes of refugees fleeing and the impact of Nazi occupation. There is no graphic violence or gore, but the subject matter may be intense for some viewers.
Profanity:
- There is minimal profanity in the film, with only brief mild language used in a historical context.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
- There are no depictions of alcohol, drugs, or smoking in the movie.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
- The documentary includes intense themes related to World War II, Nazi occupation, and the risks taken by Waitstill and Martha Sharp to help refugees. Some scenes may be emotionally impactful for sensitive viewers, but there are no jump scares or graphic content.
Overall:
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War is a powerful and educational documentary suitable for audiences of all ages. While it is rated PG, parents may want to provide additional context or guidance for younger viewers to help them understand the historical significance and emotional weight of the story.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| PBS | The documentary ‘Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War’ can be watched on PBS. |
| Prime Video | The movie is available to watch on Prime Video. It is a film by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, narrated by Tom Hanks. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War tells the story of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II.
Over two dangerous years they helped save scores of imperiled Jews and refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
Ken Burns reveals American coupleâ s secret mission in 1939 to help refugees escape Nazis.
🤖Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War Reddit Talks
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War is a 2016 historical war drama film directed by Peter Thorwarth and starring Robert Maaser, Marie Hacke, and Alexander Scheer. The film is based on the true story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American Unitarian minister and his wife who risked their lives to help Jews escape Nazi Germany during World War II.
The film has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Maaser and Hacke, as well as the film’s suspenseful and emotionally charged story. However, some critics have found the film to be too sentimental and melodramatic.
Some of the topics discussed in the Reddit discussions of the film include:
- The heroism of Waitstill and Martha Sharp: Many Redditors praised the Sharps for their courage and selflessness in helping Jews escape Nazi Germany. Some Redditors also noted that the Sharps’ story is not well-known, and that the film is a valuable contribution to the historical record.
- The horrors of the Holocaust: The film depicts the horrors of the Holocaust in graphic detail, and many Redditors found the film to be a powerful and moving reminder of the atrocities that were committed during that time.
- The importance of standing up to evil: The Sharps’ story is a reminder of the importance of standing up to evil, even when it is dangerous to do so. Many Redditors praised the Sharps for their courage and determination in the face of adversity.
- The dangers of complacency: The film also serves as a warning about the dangers of complacency. Many Redditors noted that the rise of the Nazis was made possible by the complacency of the German people.
- The power of hope: Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the film also shows the power of hope. The Sharps’ story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.
Overall, the Reddit discussions of Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War are positive, with many Redditors praising the film’s performances, story, and message. The film is a powerful and moving reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of standing up to evil.
Top discussions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” about?
The documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” follows the incredible true story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and a trained social worker, who risked their lives by committing to multiple daring rescue missions in Europe during World War II. Over two dangerous years, they helped save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
Who are the main subjects of the documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War”?
The main subjects of the documentary are Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker. They are portrayed as courageous individuals who undertook vital missions in Nazi-occupied Europe to rescue imperiled Jews and refugees during World War II.
How does “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” narrate the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp?
“Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” tells the little-known but extraordinary story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp through a series of life-threatening missions they undertook in Europe to save imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation. The documentary highlights their bravery and selflessness during a tumultuous period in history.
Who directed and produced the documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War”?
The documentary “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War” was directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky. Ken Burns, known for his exemplary work in historical documentaries, collaborates with Joukowsky to bring to light the heroic actions of Waitstill and Martha Sharp during World War II.
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