The scenario is a stinking, overcrowded unheated blockhouse in Auschwitz during the war. Earlier in the day the prisoners have been divided in two groups by a smiling doctor; the next morning, the group of those deemed fit for work will presumably be allowed to live, at least for a while, while the others will be taken to the gas chambers (to complete the horror, prisoners are not told which group will survive). New inmates arrive; their bunks will be those left by the condemned.
One of the prisoners proposes to convene a rabbinical court where God is accused of doing nothing to prevent the horrors in which they live and of betraying the covenant with His people. Some prisoners like the devout Kuhn find the idea senseless and blasphemous, (Gods's ways cannot be questioned) but his secular son Mordechai offers his services as chief prosecutor. Arguments are put on the table in favor and against. Among the first, a French scientist suggest that there may be uncountable planets where life exists and that God cannot pay much attention to all; among the second, God is accused of abandoning His people and making a covenant with their enemies. The discussion proceeds, first rambling and unfocused (the three judges keep it on subject) and ends with a spirited argument by the prosecution that decides the trial.
The film opens in modern times, with a group of tourists whose guide flippantly explains what ticket is necessary to visit this or that part of the camp. Auschwitz is now tidied up. The guide tries to interest his group in the happenings during the war but we sense some polite skepticism; somebody comments how human beings could do this to each other.
I was enthralled by this film. I find arguments on religion fascinating, if rarely conclusive; at the end, we are left with more questions than the ones we began with. The movie is filmed theater, but of the best quality. Acting is first rate, cinematography does justice to the squalid settings and direction paces the tale flawlessly. Highly recommended.
One of the prisoners proposes to convene a rabbinical court where God is accused of doing nothing to prevent the horrors in which they live and of betraying the covenant with His people. Some prisoners like the devout Kuhn find the idea senseless and blasphemous, (Gods's ways cannot be questioned) but his secular son Mordechai offers his services as chief prosecutor. Arguments are put on the table in favor and against. Among the first, a French scientist suggest that there may be uncountable planets where life exists and that God cannot pay much attention to all; among the second, God is accused of abandoning His people and making a covenant with their enemies. The discussion proceeds, first rambling and unfocused (the three judges keep it on subject) and ends with a spirited argument by the prosecution that decides the trial.
The film opens in modern times, with a group of tourists whose guide flippantly explains what ticket is necessary to visit this or that part of the camp. Auschwitz is now tidied up. The guide tries to interest his group in the happenings during the war but we sense some polite skepticism; somebody comments how human beings could do this to each other.
I was enthralled by this film. I find arguments on religion fascinating, if rarely conclusive; at the end, we are left with more questions than the ones we began with. The movie is filmed theater, but of the best quality. Acting is first rate, cinematography does justice to the squalid settings and direction paces the tale flawlessly. Highly recommended.