The Devil's Arithmetic [DVD] [1999]

As I'm researching this period of history for a non-fiction novel, I'm reading and watching a lot of material about the Holocaust. This film is AWFUL. Ridiculous story line, (even if you suspend belief about time travel - something I don't think appropriate for this period of history), APPALLING acting, and unrealistic setting detail (sound, visuals, detail) for a death camp. Wish I hadn't wasted my money. Am amazed this film got so many positive ratings. Can only be from people who really don't know about this period of history. Emotional? The only two emotions I felt were cringiness and boredom.

Watched this movie last night and I was quite surprised at how good it was.Story of a jewish girl who is somewhat 'bored' by the whole Holocaust stories from her family and at a gathering one evening is asked to take part in a procedure at dinner---she does reluctantly and finds herself transported back to a small village in 1941 just as the Nazi war machine arrives. Taken to a camp,she and her cousin and the other village inhabitants begin to experience exactly what her 'modern day family' have been telling her.You can see a few holes in the film such as a] I have never seen a camp portrayed with so few people in it b]I didn't think the male and female prisoners were allowed to mix quite as freely-if at all- and c]why did no-one ever question Kirsten Dunsts' American accent? [or if they did I missed it --sorry] I think there would have been a lot more cruelty,but it may not have been to any great advantage in this film.I do think it was a cleverly thought out film and of course showed in some small amount the horrors that were taking place.This was not portrayed as a Death Camp,as such I don't believe and there were no Crematoria that I saw----BUT not every camp had those capabilities---instead the poor people were just worked and starved to death.I know the end scene in the camp portrayed one of these too-familiar capabilities.The film worked for me because it was just - different.One of the not-so-good things about it was the dreadful accent of the Commandant----he spoke with what I would term an 'expected' accent and not all Germans speak in that way when they speak English[sorry but that did raise a smile]. Some good performances from the leading actors.I would. recommend this film

This film of Jane Yolen's book fills the gap which is often present in modern youth - what would it have been like if it was me in a nazi camp? Present day life is so far removed from this historic period that it's hard to imagine what it would have been like - and this surfaces in many (very funny) conversations between the girls from the past and the modern girl transported by some magic to the auschwitz death camp. In the camp the harsh reality of racial intolerance is dramatically experienced and ends with ... well, best not to spoil it! After seeing the film I'd recommend reading the book which has several aspects not in the film and is, in my opinion, even better.

Excellent moving film. Makes a young trendy American realise the pain and suffering her family went through in war torn Poland. Hannah had no time to hear the stories from the past. After a Jewish festival she opens the door to Elijah, to find she's back in 1940s Poland. Here she realises the horrors of war. The tattoo she wanted in the start of the film?? She is now forced to have one through pain. "Is it better to know or not know???" For Hannah , knowing what's to come in the concentration camp is too much. She keeps hope alive with her "stories" of a new life in America ,of pizza and movies and a free life. A brilliant twist at the end. This will move you. As one man shouted who Was being hauled off to the gas chambers "never let them Forget us!!!!"

I think this film is for teenagers who are learning about the holocaust but it leaves many questions unanswered, not least being how did the 'time travel' occur? I don't want to spoil this film for potential viewers because some of it was interesting and of course heartbreaking. Despite having some very good actors I just could not believe in the characters. I have also read the book (after seeing the film) and again the fact that it is written for the younger adult does come through. Perhaps I'm too old and know too much about this black part of history but if I was young and wanting to know about the holocaust it would be a good place to start as youngsters would be able to identify with the main characters.

Loved the film but not the quality of the film

A bit of a science fiction/history film. The historical part is well played and the link from modern day to 1940s is skilfully done. The action is moving, it is poignant and dos not glorify anyone or anything, It is a good film for provoking thoughts! I am pleased that I bought it!

I read some reviews previously in the year and was put off from buying this dvd. I thought let me gives the film a try despite the bad reviews, It was not half bad I do think that this film would be more suitable for teenagers or young children who have an intrest in the holocaust. I defernitly could watch this film again.