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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Showtime Ent.
Salesrank: 20108
Released: June 18, 2002 |
| Our Price: $7.98 |
| Used Price: $5.57 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
This is the untold story of Varian Fry (William Hurt), a forgotten hero of World War II. He built an elaborate underground rescue network that managed to save some of the most influential cultural figures of our age. He saved artists (such as Marc Chagall), writers, and scientists. The safe arrival of these treasured individuals in the United States permanently changed the face of American culture and enriched all of our lives forever.
Description of Varian's War:
While in Berlin in 1938, Varian Fry (William Hurt) witnesses firsthand the brutality of the Nazis as they assault Jews in the streets. Upon returning to America, he launches an effort to save artists and intellectuals whom the Nazis have designated as "degenerate." Varian's War follows Fry as he learns to navigate his way through the bureaucracies of France--which, even in its unoccupied half, was still under the watchful eye of the Gestapo. In his role as a highbrow Oskar Schindler, Fry rescued such artists and writers as Marc Chagall and Franz Werfel. Hurt, as always, gives an intelligent and subtle performance, ably assisted by Julia Ormond as an American expatriate who helps Fry set up his underground railroad. Also featuring Alan Arkin, Maury Chaykin, and Lynn Redgrave. --Bret Fetzer
Varian's War Reviews:
An Unforgettable Experience 
2009-07-14 - An engrossing movie which captures the deadly atmosphere of Hitlerian Germany. William Hurt is most impressive and carries himself with ease in a role that seems tailor-made for him. Julia Ormond is equally brilliant and can bring tears to the eyes of sentimentalists.
An American hero of the Holocaust
2007-05-08 - This little known gem of a Holocaust movie by Showtime is worth watching for its portrayal of an American intellectual, Varian Fry's efforts in rescuing Jewish artists & intellectuals trapped in Vichy France during World War Two. Although Varian's efforts were not publicly recognised until after his death in 1967, this movie showcases his heroism in a time when the US maintained a policy of neutrality in the war. Varian is played brilliantly by William Hurt and Julia Ormond shines in her role as the female assistant. The story moves along at a thrilling pace with Varian having to fend off the Nazis and the French securitate whilst undertaking efforts to transport Jewish refugees to Spain. Thanks to Varian Fry's little known heroism, the human race has been enriched by the works of such Jewish luminaries [amongst those he rescued] such as the artist Marc Chagall, and the author Hannah Arendt. A compelling film!
An unheralded hero of Holocaust events
2007-02-14 - Isn't it amazing how many unlikely people can end up the biggest and bravest of heroes? THAT is precisely the story of Varian Fry, an almost "Mr.Peepers"-kind-of-guy who risked life and limb to get safe passage for countless artists,composers,writers,scientists and "subversive" free-thinkers trapped in German-occupied Vichy France.With the express backing of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,Varian Fry operates under guise in order to provide "legitimate" papers for peoples set for arrest,deportation and extermination by the Nazis.SEE THE DOCUMENTARY ENTITLED VARIAN FRY as an excellent companion piece to this wonderful homage to an unheralded hero.
Vitally Important & well done
2006-08-23 - This work is significant not only for understanding the way that the Allies let down the Jews during WWII, but for understanding that this is happening again - particularly in Europe, but also in the U.S.A.
Simplifies the Complexities of History 
2004-02-15 - This movie is loosely based on the life and work of Varian Fry, an American intellectual who went to Vichy France to save European cultural luminaries from fascist persecution and death. The movie simplifies a complex person and situation, and, as such, falls short of the true history. I do think William Hurt does a good job portraying Fry. I have shown this movie to history classes, but found the pacing is a little slow for most high school students (although a minority appreciated the fact that an American also played a role in saving Jews). To people interested in learning more about Varian Fry, I highly recommend Andy Marino's fascinating character study, A QUIET AMERICAN: THE SECRET WAR OF VARIAN FRY. To history teachers looking for good (and appropriate) films to show students on rescuers during the Holocaust, you might consider the RESCUERS: STORIES OF COURAGE series.
