LordDynamo Review of Anne Frank: The Whole Story

Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001)

The first film I have truly treasured

[7/10 · 27 May 2011]

There has never been a film in my life that I have adored as much as "Anne Frank". I found it on the Internet and thought "I'll give this a try" and I did. I have to say, I was lost in so many ways: lost in amazement, lost in admiration and lost in great sadness. In short, I loved this film so DEEPLY, despite being reduced in tears at the same time. The story is based on the biography by Melissa Müller and tells of the young girl before, during and after her years of hiding with her family and friends from the Nazi terror over Holland during the Second World War. Throughout the film, you have emotion and in-depth introduction to just about every character in the story. You have a complete exploration into the unfortunate life of a young girl with SO many ambitions. To express an opinion, Hannah Taylor Gordon is the perfect actress to portray Anne Frank, her emotions are just...outstandingly adorable. It is just brilliant to not have a celebrity actress to play her. There is also Ben Kingsley, who plays as Anne's father, Otto. He, too, has the perfect match to the protective father and his emotions at the end made me cry. All the other actors and actresses were fantastic, my personal favourite being Jessica Manley as Anne's older sister, Margot. Normally, there are cons that should be noted, but to me it is an insult to give any, an insult to Ann Frank's memory. The film is a bit slow, but that isn't bad at all. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is a film that goes through a story quickly, ruining the pleasure of watching a film. Anne Frank is a great exception, it goes through the story slowly and steadily and the characters are introduced in a great way. A warning to those who are vulnerable to tragic scenes, the last half hour is heart-wrenching. I am not ashamed to admit, I was in floods of tears during that half hour and I don't usually cry. So as a conclusion, I give this film a definite 10 and I have made it a personal favourite. I highly recommend it!