Prisoners of Paradise Response

The story of Kurt Gerron was difficult to watch in some respects. This film wasn't as graphic as some other documentaries I've seen about the Holocaust, but it focused on particular people's experiences within the camp. This made the film feel more personal. One thing that stuck out to me about this film was that one of the survivors actually returned to the camp to conduct his interview. That utterly shocked me. He seemed very calm and collected. I don't think I would have been strong enough to do that. Even after so many years. 

Another aspect of the film that surprised me was that some of the survivors interviewed didn't blame Gerron for directing the grossly manipulated documentary about the camp. They recognized how angry people were at the time, but had no anger themselves. I can rationalize why Gerron would decide to direct the film. I can also understand why the other victims would hate Gerron for doing so. To see people who were actually there essentially forgiving Gerron added a degree of humanity to the film. I appreciated that note of positivity. 

 I believe that the film was accurate and feel that I gained a different perspective about the Holocaust. Seeing personal interviews as opposed to broad descriptions of camps and circumstances helped me better understand the constant fear that existed in Theresienstadt.