The Zookeeper's Wife
dir. Niki Caro · 2017
Plot
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?
Why watch
"The Zookeeper's Wife" is a poignant exploration of love and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror, showcasing how compassion can flourish even in the darkest of times. This visually arresting film invites viewers to reflect on the fragility of normalcy and the profound impact of altruism during war.
Talking points
- the moral implications of survival during war
- the role of compassion in dire circumstances
- the impact of war on everyday life
- the representation of women in historical narratives