The true story of an Italian cattle trader trapped in Hungary by the Nazi regime, Giorgio Perlasca displays uncommon courage and audacity as he strives to save as many Hungarian Jews from deportation (and death) as he can. Filmed in 1993 in Italy this movie is not necessarily great from a writing or cinematography standpoint, but the story is so inspiring I had to rate it highly.
Giorgio Perlasca was willing to take any risk - face any foe - challenge any authority (who could have easily put him to death) - and he did it fearlessly with more audacity than can hardly be believed. His willingness to risk it all for people he did not even really know is sharply contrasted with the numerous other people who were not willing to take any risks - but were only interested in saving their own hides. Example - the Spanish ambassador who splits leaving hundreds of Jews who were taking asylum in his consulate (at least he did let them in); the "squatter" who was a former neighbor of one of the principle characters, Magda, when she went back to her apartment - faced this man who had taken her apartment - with all furnishings and belongings - and did not even want to let her in "his" house. The Deputy of the Spanish embassy who was afraid to challenge the Hungarian police - let alone the SS. He watched while Perlasca stepped in and made things happen to save the Jews.
When Perlasca was asked: "Why are you doing this?" He answered "What would you do if you were in my shoes?" And when he had a confrontation with an SS Captain he told him to his face "Being hated by you is a compliment!"
The highlight of the movie is when Perlasca bribes the SS officer in charge of a deportation train (who had rounded up many of the Jews from the Spanish Embassy). Perlasca has a list of the people who are allowed to get off the train and he pays for their release (there goes his company's money and the horses he was supposed to buy). P runs up and down while the people are boarding the cattle cars - yelling out the names on the list. When the list is completed - he grabs the closest refugee and says "GIve me a name - which he then screams out and saves that individual. He does this several times in an attempt to save as many individuals as possible. The movie is worth it if you only watch this scene. It is incredible and inspiring.
Finally this is a study in organization, leadership and audacity. He organizes a school in the embassy, sets up a security organization, etc. But his greatest tactic is charging in like a bull in every situation and asking "who is in charge?" He puts the fear of God in many soldiers and policemen who literally have the power of life or death over him. He is utterly fearless - to the point of disbelief.
And all of this was based in fact. Check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgio_Perlasca
If you want to be inspired by a man whose nationality is usually associated with failure as a result of their performance in both world wars, check out Perlasca - a man to be admired. It makes you ask yourself - "What would I do if I were in his shoes?"
Giorgio Perlasca was willing to take any risk - face any foe - challenge any authority (who could have easily put him to death) - and he did it fearlessly with more audacity than can hardly be believed. His willingness to risk it all for people he did not even really know is sharply contrasted with the numerous other people who were not willing to take any risks - but were only interested in saving their own hides. Example - the Spanish ambassador who splits leaving hundreds of Jews who were taking asylum in his consulate (at least he did let them in); the "squatter" who was a former neighbor of one of the principle characters, Magda, when she went back to her apartment - faced this man who had taken her apartment - with all furnishings and belongings - and did not even want to let her in "his" house. The Deputy of the Spanish embassy who was afraid to challenge the Hungarian police - let alone the SS. He watched while Perlasca stepped in and made things happen to save the Jews.
When Perlasca was asked: "Why are you doing this?" He answered "What would you do if you were in my shoes?" And when he had a confrontation with an SS Captain he told him to his face "Being hated by you is a compliment!"
The highlight of the movie is when Perlasca bribes the SS officer in charge of a deportation train (who had rounded up many of the Jews from the Spanish Embassy). Perlasca has a list of the people who are allowed to get off the train and he pays for their release (there goes his company's money and the horses he was supposed to buy). P runs up and down while the people are boarding the cattle cars - yelling out the names on the list. When the list is completed - he grabs the closest refugee and says "GIve me a name - which he then screams out and saves that individual. He does this several times in an attempt to save as many individuals as possible. The movie is worth it if you only watch this scene. It is incredible and inspiring.
Finally this is a study in organization, leadership and audacity. He organizes a school in the embassy, sets up a security organization, etc. But his greatest tactic is charging in like a bull in every situation and asking "who is in charge?" He puts the fear of God in many soldiers and policemen who literally have the power of life or death over him. He is utterly fearless - to the point of disbelief.
And all of this was based in fact. Check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgio_Perlasca
If you want to be inspired by a man whose nationality is usually associated with failure as a result of their performance in both world wars, check out Perlasca - a man to be admired. It makes you ask yourself - "What would I do if I were in his shoes?"
