God on Trial (2008)

at first sigh, a lesson. about Shoah, faith, Judaism, resistance, hope. at the second - seductive film with a splendid performance of each actor. in fact - only a form of definition of sense in a Nazi camp. a form of fight for survive. the atmosphere, the dialogs, the tension of acting. all as parts of an admirable circle. a story who may be a parable. but, in essence, it is only slice of reality. and not just reality of Holocaust but measure of each day from each life. a terrible film. for its questions and for the images from a hell. and for precise - delicate manner to remember one of many trials in which God was not only defendant but, in same measure, prosecutor.

Inmates at Auschwitz put god on trial for breaking the covenant.This was run earlier in the season as part of Masterpiece's (theater) modern block of tales. Based on an actual trial it is a deeply effecting story about a group of men attempting to find out why God has abandoned them and whether he has broken the agreement that he made with their forefathers. It is set entirely within one barracks during the time that then are waiting to have their numbers called when those chosen will go off to die, for it seems that a train has arrived early and there is no place for the new arrivals.It is a heady discussion of despair and hope. Has god abandoned them? Does god exist? What is the nature of god? These are the thoughts of men waiting to die, men with little left to lose. It is a discussion that will get your mind working. The answers they come up with might surprise you.The film will also touch you. I tend to be immune to Holocaust tales with name stars in it since the pretty faces never seem to be in anything more than a dress up tale, but here I was moved. The cast which includes Dominic Cooper, Stephen Dillane, Rupert Graves, Anthony Sher and Stellan Skarsgård is first rate with only Skarsgård recognizable under the dirt and bruises. In most films of this sort the filmmakers hit certain cliché marks, but none of that is here, it is simply men waiting to be chosen, pondering their existence and their humanity. I should point out that the film is cross cut across time with a tour of the barracks and the gas chambers now. The modern story is not intrusive and in its way it actually helps move things along with one of the final scenes very likely to bring tears to your eyes.I highly recommend this film to anyone who wondered about god and the death of 12 million people or just about god in general

A very engaging piece of work, I was particularly impressed by the outstanding performance by Ashley Artus playing Ricard. Artus performance shone above the rest, who although good actors seemed less committed to their characterization, some of them a little too healthy and composed looking to be in a concentration camp in Auschvitz. Ashley Artus in particular displayed both immense talent and dedication to his craft, with clear signs that he was fully immersed in the character of Ricard from the edgily moving displays of varying levels of emotion right down to the weight loss undergone. Somebody ought to give this man the recognition he deserves!

In a freezing, filthy, overcrowded hut in Auschwitz a group of emaciated Jewish prisoners await their fate. Around half of them will be selected for the gas chamber within a couple of hours and most seem paralysed by fear, hunger and despair - but one angry inmate rails against God. His anger provokes reactions and soon the men - they are all men - agree to put God on trial, quickly organising a kind of tribunal in the traditions of their religion.This drama confronts one of the central issues of human existence - the basis of faith - and sets it in a time and place that has become a by-word for inhumanity. With writing that is emotive, intelligent and unflinching throughout complimented by a series of utterly convincing and moving performances from all the principals, this was one of the most absorbing and challenging pieces of TV drama I have witnessed in years. In fact I would go further: This ranks as one of the finest TV productions I have ever seen.For me the almost real time context lifted this play beyond another testimony to the Holocaust. The characters all know the past - indeed, they acknowledge several hideous near genocidal atrocities by their Jewish ancestors - but they don't know the future.I won't spoil the outcome but, please, seek this out. If it doesn't make you think and doesn't touch your heart, you may not be alive.