Irena's Vow, based on the true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, who risked her life to help Jews persecuted by the Nazis during World War II, hits theaters this month, and I had a chance to preview the movie. Scroll through for more info about the movie, an official trailer, and my honest opinion about the film.
Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution
Disclosure: I was provided with a screening of Irena's Vow in order to provide an honest review but all opinions are my own.
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| Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution |
About Irena's Vow
Irena's Vow is the true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic nurse who risked her life to help hide Jews persecuted by Nazi Germany during WWII. She demonstrated extraordinary courage for the lives of others, and the film captures her remarkable true story. Irena's Vow is in theaters on April 15th and April 16th across the country.
More info about the film and ticket information can be found here: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/irenas-vow/
Cast and Crew of Irena's Vow
Directed by Louise Archambault, and starring Sophie Nélisse (“Yellowjackets,” 47 Meters Down: Uncaged), Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2, “Batwoman”), Andrezej Seweryn (Schindler’s List) and Maciek Nawrocki (Banksters), IRENA’S VOW is told through the eyes of strong-willed, 19-year-old Irena Gut Opdyke, and represents the triumphs of the human spirit in a time of devastating tragedy. Irena is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of – the basement of the German Major’s house. Over the next two years, Irena used her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them amid countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time. The film was written by Dan Gordon (Wyatt Earp, Passenger 57, The Hurricane), who also wrote the Broadway play of the same name which starred four-time Tony nominee, Tovah Feldshuh.
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| photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution |
Honoring Irena
- The Israeli Holocaust Commission honored Irena as a Righteous Among the Nations, a title given to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
- She was presented with the Medal of Honor, Israel’s highest tribute, in a ceremony at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
- The Vatican has also given her a special commendation and her story is part of a permanent exhibit in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
- She was posthumously presented the Commanders Cross – the Polish Medal of Honor – in 2008 and the Courage to Care award by the Anti-Defamation League in 2009.
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| photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution |
Watch the Trailer
Check out the trailer for Irena's Vow from YouTube below.
Irena's Vow is a movie that honors the heroic bravery of a real person who deserves to be remembered. This movie is so well done and the actors are genuine and believable. Sophie Nelisse is amazing as Irena and not to be missed. I feel like this could be a film shared in high schools across the country (although there are some extremely gut-wrenching scenes). Not only does it teach about an important part of history not to be forgotten, but it also reminds us what truly matters. Irena chose kindness and compassion at the risk of her own life, and her story is truly inspiring. Be forewarned that some of the scenes in the film are extremely disturbing. The atrocities inflicted by the Nazi soldiers were difficult to watch and quite horrifying. We also feel Irena's pain alongside of her. My heart broke for her many times during the film, especially towards the end. Irena's Vow is a movie you will remember forever. And as her Jewish friends said to her, "Thank you, Irena. We will never forget you."
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