Divided We Fall (2000)

In Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia, a childless couple agree to hide a Jewish friend at great personal risk of discovery and execution.

Director:

Jan Hrebejk

Writers:

Jan Hrebejk, Petr Jarchovský (screenplay)

Stars:

Bolek Polívka, Csongor Kassai, Jaroslav Dusek

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 15 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bolek Polívka	...	Josef Cízek (as Boleslav Polívka)
Anna Sisková	...	Marie Cizková
Csongor Kassai	...	David Wiener
Jaroslav Dusek	...	Horst Prohaska
Martin Huba	...	Dr. Albrecht Kepke
Jirí Pecha	...	Frantisek Simácek
Simona Stasová	...	Libuse Simácková
Vladimír Marek	...	SS Officer
Richard Tesarík	...	Captain
Karel Hermánek	...	Captain (voice)
Otto Sevcík	...	SS Offcier
Jirí Kodet	...	Dr. Fischer-Rybáf
Petr Knotek
Helena Neuwirthová
Nelly Kocarjan

Storyline

In World War II Nazi occupied Czech Republic a childless couple, Josef and Marie Cizek, can only watch while the Jewish family of their employers, the Wieners, are first removed from their own home to a spare room in their house by the Nazis, then deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp. Years later, young David Wiener, the sole surviving member of that family has managed to escape and make it to the Cizeks. Although fully aware of the extreme danger of harboring a Jew in the Third Reich, the Cizek's can not permit themselves to leave David to certain death and agree to hide him. However, this decision leads to terrible danger of discovery by the Nazis and especially their friend and Nazi collaborator, Horst Prohazka, who is attracted to Marie. With desperate cleverness and luck, the Cizeks struggle to keep the secret, even when Horst begins to suspect. In doing so, they find themselves making unorthodox choices and learning about the true nature of the people around them.

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Plot Keywords:

nazi | jewish | czechoslovakia | theresienstadt concentration camp | third reich | 

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Taglines:

In a war-torn village, one couple makes the ultimate sacrifice to save another.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Czech Republic's official submission to 73rd Academy Award's Foreign Language in 2001.

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Connections

Referenced in DVTV: DVTV Forum: Jan Hrebejk (2017)

User Reviews

Divided We Stand, indeed!

I thought this was the original title as well, but even if it's not it's a great film. The acting is just great, these actors are all strangers to me and perhaps that helped, I don't know, but I loved each and every one of them, even the jerks. The script is top notch and the camera and music all conspire to make this one of the best films of the 'empty calorie' summer of 2001. It's a good sign for Czech films, this director is one to watch. I can't wait for his next film. Go and see this movie! ..

Details

Official Sites:

Czech TV - Telexport Musíme si pomáhat

Country:

Czech Republic

Language:

German Czech

Release Date:

16 March 2000 (Czech Republic)

Also Known As:

Divided We Fall

Filming Locations:

Jaromer, Czech Republic

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$28,583, 10 June 2001

Gross USA:

$1,332,586

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,046,440

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ceská Televize, Total HelpArt T.H.A.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1