The battles of World War II, moral and actual, still intrigue. How could so many fall under the influence of dictators like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin and engage in horrifying acts? What was it like to be children of an SS Officer and a mother who was a staunch Nazi?
"Lore" (Australia , Germany 2012 ) begins in May 1945 in Germany. It is one look at these questions from the perspective of these children who were raised to be proud Nazi youth.
Hitler has committed suicide. The Allies have claimed victory. Parents arrested, the children set out to fend for themselves on a 500 mile journey to their grandmother's home in northern Germany. Lore (Saskia Rosendahl) is only 14-years-old, yet she has the responsibility of safely shepherding her siblings through lands taken over by her family's enemies. When being questioned by Allied soldiers about their identity, a mysterious stranger (who is Jewish) essentially rescues them.
Of course, the children are filled with hate and prejudice. How will they interact with this person, Thomas (Kai-Peter Malina), who "saved" them? In this journey film, profound questions about prejudice, survival, hate, and love are explored. This film is based on the book "Lore" by Rachel Seiffert.
Cate Shortland has co-written the script and directed a film that is beautifully shot, and has received acclaim at various festivals. The trailer (below) hints at the bleak beauty of this film. "Lore" won the Audience Award at the Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland) and the Best Film Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival (New York). "Lore" also was the official submission from Australia for Best Foreign Film in this years Academy Awards (though it did not make the short list).
"Lore" plays 3 more days at the Living Room Theaters, 341 SW 10th Avenue, in downtown Portland. Tickets ranges from $5 to $9 and can be purchased online or at the box office. These theatres offer in-theater dining along with a European cafe and bar area. Choices of food range from popcorn to salads to full lunch and dinner menus along with specialty teas, coffees and select wines and beers.
Sources: "Lore" official website, "Lore" on IMDb, Living Room Theaters website
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