Movie Review: The Devil's Arithmetic

This week, I borrowed the movie The Devil's Arithmetic from Netflix. This movie is an excellent way for you to help your children get their first exposure of the horrors of World War II.

This movie is based on a book written in 1988 by Jane Yolen. I have not read the book, but after reading the synopsis, the storyline is a bit different and of course more complete than the movie.

However, I think you will be pleased with either the movie or the book and you can choose based on what best suits the needs of your household.

The story sends a modern day Jewish girl back to live during World War II via a time travel type experience. Before she goes, she really doesn't understand or appreciate her Jewish heritage and she ignores her older family members when they try to enlighten her. Her experience in World War II, gives her new insight and understanding. In the movie you will see Jewish people put in cattle cars, but not the true extent of the horror of a four day trip of standing room only. You will see the Jewish people pushed, their hair cut, their valuables confiscated. You will see men be hanged after an escape attempt. And near the end, women will be herded together, told to undress (but you don't see any private parts), and walked into a building where gas pellets are dropped down on them and they die. I tell you this because I want you to have a good sense of what your child would see and whether or not you feel it would be appropriate for your family.

The most important message in this film and book is that we not forget our past.

I gave this movie five stars when I ranked it at Netflix.