7.7/10
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21 user 5 critic

God on Trial (2008)

| Drama, War | TV Movie 9 November 2008
God on Trial Poster
Awaiting their inevitable deaths at one of the worst concentration camps, a group of Jews make a rabbinical court to decide whether God has gone against the Holy Covenant and if He is the one guilty for their suffering.

Director:

Andy De Emmony (as Andy de Emmony)

Writer:

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Stars:

Joseph Muir, Josef Altin, Ashley Artus | See full cast & crew »
Reviews
3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joseph Muir Joseph Muir ... Kapo (as Joseph Alessi)
Josef Altin ... Isaac
Ashley Artus ... Ricard
Alexi Kaye Campbell Alexi Kaye Campbell ... Doctor
Dominic Cooper ... Moche
Lorcan Cranitch ... Blockaltester
Stephen Dillane ... Schmidt
Rupert Graves ... Mordechai
François Guétary François Guétary ... Jacques (as Francois Guetary)
David de Keyser David de Keyser ... Hugo
Agnieszka Liggett Agnieszka Liggett ... Tour Guide
Louise Mardenborough Louise Mardenborough ... Emily
Eddie Marsan ... Lieble
André Oumansky ... Jacob (as Andre Oumansky)
Blake Ritson ... Idek
See full cast »
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Storyline

Wondering about the meaning and modalities of their triage, presumably to live or burn, Jewish Auschwitz barrack mates start to debate on how or why God can allow (his) people to suffer such fatal misery, which even further divides a devout father and his liberal son. They eventually form a Thora court, which hears theological argumentation as well as practical considerations. Written by KGF Vissers

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

wasp | courage | tree | dog | physical examination | See All (178) »

Genres:

Drama | War

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Hat Trick has employed a rabbi to consult on the script. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Tour Guide: Unfortunately our admission is not inclusive in your tour price, so sorry you must pay. But, um, the good news it's only 10 zlotas, so not so very bad.
See more »

User Reviews

 
Impressive
5 September 2008 | by mickjongold – See all my reviews

Films set in Nazi extermination camps are always confronted by certain production problems. Will the Jews look thin enough? Will they look like they're eaten by lice and other vermin? How to convey their interaction in such a wretched and desperate place? A place that most of us cannot begin to imagine. This drama succeeded (against my expectations) because it doesn't feel naturalistic. Of course Anthony Sher and Stellan Skarsgård and the others look like well-fed actors. But this does not detract from their performances because the emphasis in this film is on the arguments. How can anyone affirm a belief in God in Auschwitz? It's a good question, and many approaches and interpretations of God's actions are offered. The production could be criticised for feeling a little like a stage play. A bit wordy with many monologues. But the acting, the direction, and, above all, the writing are first class.
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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English | French | Polish | Hebrew

Release Date:

9 November 2008 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

God on Trial See more »

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hat Trick Productions, BBC Scotland See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1
See full technical specs »
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