To Auschwitz and Back is a powerful documentary film that details the harrowing journey of Joe Engel, a Holocaust survivor who was taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The film follows his journey from his time in Auschwitz to his eventual liberation and his eventual return to the camp, now a museum. The film is a deeply personal look at Engel's life, and it includes interviews with him as well as with his family members who recount their own memories of the Holocaust. Engel himself is a compelling figure, and the film does an excellent job of capturing his voice and his experiences. He is a survivor who has lived a long and difficult life, and his story is one that is deeply moving and inspiring.
The film opens with footage of Engel walking through the empty streets of Auschwitz, as he recalls his first arrival at the camp. From there, the film moves back in time to trace Engel's journey from his hometown in Czechoslovakia to the concentration camp. Along the way, we learn about Engel's family, his community, and the events that led to the Holocaust.
Once he arrives at Auschwitz, the film becomes even more intense. Engel recounts the horrors he witnessed there, from the inhumane living conditions to the brutal treatment of prisoners by the Nazi guards. The film makes clear just how horrific life was in the concentration camps, and it does not shy away from the horrific realities of the Holocaust.
At the same time, however, the film also highlights moments of incredible strength and resilience. Engel and other prisoners found ways to resist their captors and to provide comfort to each other. Engel tells stories of prisoners slipping little gifts to each other or singing songs that provided hope in an otherwise bleak situation. These moments of humanity and hope are a testament to the incredible power of the human spirit.
As the war comes to an end, Engel is eventually liberated from the concentration camp. The film shifts into a look at his life after the Holocaust, including his emigration to the United States and his eventual return to Auschwitz many years later. Engel is a true survivor, and the film celebrates not only his strength and courage but also his determination to never forget the atrocities he experienced.
To Auschwitz and Back is a deeply moving documentary that is both emotionally difficult and ultimately inspiring. It is a film that reminds us of the worst of human nature but also of the incredible resilience and hope that people can find even in the darkest of times. It is a story that is important to remember, particularly in a world where hatred and bigotry continue to thrive.
Overall, To Auschwitz and Back is a stunning documentary that does justice to the immense courage of Joe Engel and the millions of other victims of the Holocaust. The film is a testament to the human spirit, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding our shared history. Anyone interested in history or social justice should make a point to watch this film, as it offers a unique and deeply personal look at one of the most significant events of the 20th century.
To Auschwitz and Back is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes.
