Sometimes I wake up in the morning, read the news, and think “Are we living in LALA Land? The signs are all around us, but I feel like we get up everyday in a stupor of complacency. I’m still pondering whether our Covid hiding has created this or just exacerbated it.
I love to read but even more, I love to watch movies. I’m sure some scholars would say that movies are the lazy way to learn but I believe that the visual along with the dialogue, at times makes a fuller understanding of the message. I’ve watched several movies recently that I have found to be very disturbing, yet somehow very enlightening.
One of those films is Sabina. Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand were Polish Jews. Not devout, they related more to Atheism than anything else. Richard was extremely accomplished, raised in Turkey and speaking 9-11 languages fluently depending on who’s writing the history. Brilliant in business, he was accomplished in the world of finance in Europe. Living the high life before World War II broke out, he and his newlywed bride Sabina enjoyed all the trappings of wealth and influence. The war was gaining traction and the Nazi’s were moving into Poland. Along the way, Richard became a Christian but Sabina vehemently resisted Richard’s newfound faith. Whether Christian or Jew, they were doomed. The Nazi’s were bent on annihilating all religions.
Their story is quite remarkable. They saved many lives while developing an underground network. Sabina’s family were murdered by a Nazi soldier. When she later met him face to face, she embraced him and told him she forgave him. This act of kindness changed his life forever.
Richard was captured by the Communists and tortured for over ten years, a sentence lasting many years after the war. Sabina spent three years in prison as well, both separated from their young son.
While watching Sabina, in the theater I might add, I was reminded of the movie Tea with Mussolini. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a “must see” for today! It stars all the grand dames of Britain, which is always a treat, and Cher, who can be either brilliant or just weird. Tea with Mussolini was a true match for her talents.
The story is about British Lady ex-patriots living in the Italy prior to WWII, living the cultured life and having weekly tea with Italy’s leader, Mussolini. Their standing tea date was the “badge” of their importance. WWII finally comes to Italy and Mussolini, rolls over and drinks the Kool-Aid. Of course, England was the enemy. It’s a very interesting story about how the “camel’s nose creeps under the tent” so to speak.
Both films have a strong message. Though decades later, the history of WWII will always be one of initially underestimating the power of the enemy. A sheer lack of awareness of what is happening in the world around us. Quite frankly, the United States almost got our proverbial butts kicked in WWII. Whether it’s Russia or China, or both we need to diligently watch what is happening. Thankfully, we have the patriotic spirit of “Can do, Will Do”, but an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Once again, I invite your comments. Both films are definitely worth finding and watching and well worth your time. Feel free to send your comments to Carolyn@carolynhastings.com.
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