God on Trial (2008)

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

3 nominations.

Cast

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

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.

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Plot Keywords:

wasp | courage | tree | dog | physical examination | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French Polish Hebrew

Release Date:

9 November 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

God on Trial

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hat Trick Productions, BBC Scotland

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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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.

User Reviews

Artus shone!

A very engaging piece of work, I was particularly impressed by the outstanding performance by Ashley Artus playing Ricard. Artus performance shone above the rest, who although good actors seemed less committed to their characterization, some of them a little too healthy and composed looking to be in a concentration camp in Auschvitz. Ashley Artus in particular displayed both immense talent and dedication to his craft, with clear signs that he was fully immersed in the character of Ricard from the edgily moving displays of varying levels of emotion right down to the weight loss undergone. Somebody ought to give this man the recognition he deserves!