The Zookeeper's Wife (2017)

Keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, must save hundreds of people and animals during the Nazi invasion in WWII Poland.

Director:

Niki Caro

Writers:

Angela Workman (screenplay), Diane Ackerman (based on the book by)

Stars:

Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, Daniel Brühl

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jessica Chastain	...	Antonina Zabinska
Johan Heldenbergh	...	Jan Zabinski
Daniel Brühl	...	Lutz Heck
Timothy Radford	...	Ryszard Zabinski (Younger)
Efrat Dor	...	Magda Gross
Iddo Goldberg	...	Maurycy Fraenkel
Shira Haas	...	Urszula
Michael McElhatton	...	Jerzyk
Val Maloku	...	Ryszard Zabinski (Older)
Martha Issová	...	Regina Kenigswein
Daniel Ratimorský	...	Samuel Kenigswein
Frederick Preston	...	Miecio Kenigswein
Theo Preston	...	Stefcio Kenigswein (as Theodore Preston)
Viktoria Zakharyanova	...	Stefania Keningswein (as Viktoria Zakharyanová)
Goran Kostic	...	Mr. Kinszerbaum

Storyline

As war brews over in 1939 Warsaw, and while life is still running its course, the Germans are gradually making their presence felt, with Adolf Hitler secretly preparing for the invasion of Poland. Under those volatile circumstances, the couple of Jan Zabinski and Antonina Zabinska continue with their daily routine as owners of the Warsaw Zoo; however, their life's work, and the city, will turn to ashes when the Luftwaffe's horrific Stukas begin to hammer the capital. Now, with the zoo liquidated for the war effort, and many of its animals tragically perished, what was once a menagerie, will now serve as a sanctuary, where the pair of veterinarians can hide the persecuted Polish-Jewish people in plain sight. Indeed, that was the dangerous plan of the two altruists, who, regardless of the consequences, refused to wither before the Nazi menace, and sheltered three hundred Jewish men, women, and children right under the noses of the enemy. Will the world remember the zookeeper's wife?

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Plot Keywords:

zoo | polish german relations | shooting an animal | hiding place | strong female protagonist | 

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Taglines:

They gave all they had to save all they could

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, disturbing images, violence, brief sexuality, nudity and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Niki Caro stated that her first film cut was nearly three and a half hours long, utilizing the entire screenplay. The final film was required to be two hours in length, and so an hour and a half was cut from the film in the editing room.

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Goofs

The position of the rabbit held by Antonina when she talks to Urszula changes between shots.

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Quotes

Antonina Zabinski: You can never tell who your enemies are, or who to trust. Maybe that's why I love animals so much. You look in their eyes, and you know exactly what's in their hearts. They're not like people.

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Connections

Referenced in Evening Urgant: Armie Hammer (2017)

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Soundtracks

Continental Bounce
Written by Hans Zander
Courtesy of APM Music

User Reviews

A Must See!

This is a movie everyone should see.

It's truly inspiring, it makes you think about humanity and shows you the creations of cruelty, hate alongside with what love, compassion, and courage can achieve.

The whole cast was great especially the outstanding Jessica Chastain. The natural bond she has with the animals like the real Antonina Zabinski is so magical.

Knowing the movie is based on a true story makes your heart break. But seeing these lovely, kindhearted people saving so many others is raising hope even for the times we're living in now.

It's a heavy movie, but I definitely recommend it.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site Official Site [Austria]

Country:

Czech Republic UK USA

Language:

English German Hebrew

Release Date:

7 April 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Zookeeper's Wife

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,288,835, 2 April 2017

Gross USA:

$17,571,660

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$26,152,835

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scion Films, Czech Anglo Productions, LD Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1