A Small Light (2023) User Reviews

The meaning of A Small Light

[CouchTV · 9/10 · 11 May 2023]

I once visited the Anne Frank museum house in Amsterdam in Netherlands as a tourist, and learnt briefly about how a family tried to survive through World War II and the genocide. I left the place with questions - why didn't more people try to save the innocent? What would I have done if I was living through that war?

This drama film series, based on actual events, was released by National Geographic / Disney+ in early May 2023. At the time of my review, I have watched the initial episodes, and am now waiting eagerly for the remaining episodes to be released.

The main characters are well developed and deeply portrayed. Anne Frank is not the main character in this drama film; instead it is about the other people who were not famous (people like the rest of us).

Faced with difficulties, challenges and adversity, what would we do in similar circumstances? It's not always obvious. And so, when you see a main character make a right choice, to endure difficulty and to choose human kindness, it can be moving and uplifting.

The director, script writer, cinematographer, crew and actors should be proud of their work. This show, which covers a dark and fearful period, provides hope and meaning.

A light, no matter how small, can fill up darkness. That's the theme of this drama film - if each one of us can be a small light, whether back in history or in our current world, that's all that's needed to make the difference.

Not another Anne Frank movie

[tjarleo · 9/10 · 16 May 2023]

Started to watch only because I adore Bel Pawley, who absolutely SHINES in this role. Never heard the story of Miep Geis & although familiar w the Anne Frank story, This is all new material for me. A must watch!

Didn't recognize Liev Schreiber, playing Mr Frank. You truly want to love this man & you reallly feel the weight he must burden. Joe Cole also does a great job as Mieps husband. All of the cast is brilliant.

Cinematography brilliant. Wardrobe spot on as are the locations.

The story is very interesting & even though it's a dark place in history, there is much lightness. Couldn't stop watching. Just finished Ep#4.

Beautifully done!!

[Zoeymdavies · 9/10 · 2 May 2023]

With only 2 episodes released at the time I'm writing this, I can't vouch for the entire season.. but I'm LOVING it So far! Cinematography is a great mix of artsy/creative and mainstream- artsy for me and mainstream enough for me to watch with my mom who isn't into a lot of the dark and "weird" shows I like. I really appreciate the balance of tension and pure emotion the writers are managing to build in a story we all know.

I'm the type of viewer that can't enjoy other elements properly if bad acting takes me out of the story... but this has been wonderfully cast! Otto, and Miep have been truly incredible so far, and I look forward to exploring the other characters in the coming episodes!

I felt the need to write this review because the only other written review is 1 star based on it not being historically accurate... and I can't stress this enough, ACCURACY /= A GREAT SHOW. A Small Light has managed to portray a horrific, and already thoroughly told, point of history from a different perspective. For everyone who sat in history class and said "I would have done xyz if I was around when nazis were committing war crimes", this gives peek into what that would have been like to actually make those tough choices... and the story is captivating regardless if it's an actual diary from the time.

This is a clear step forward in Hulu's originals track record, 100% recommend!

No show has ever made me feel so much

[reachbeyond-52399 · 10/10 · 17 May 2023]

This show will both make you feel and hold you captive. I've cried every episode, sometimes out of sadness, but more often out of hope. The hope that in reality too that some may dare to stand up in the difficult times, with a determination to keep on giving despite the risk. However, for me, it doesn't matter one bit if this story is true or not, because the significance is in how well the acting, writing, and everything else immerses me in the time and made me believe in the characters. This shows message resonates strongly in the heart, for it represents well that one small light can make a world of difference. Sacrifice in the name of love.

The best Anne Frank adaptation since Anne Frank: The Whole Story.

[gjohnm-12447 · 10/10 · 10 May 2023]

It tells the story of the Frank family through the eyes of Miep Gies, the woman who helped them hide. I'm on Episode 4 and I'm so hooked. The casting is phenomenal, Bel Powley's magnetic performance as the heroic and empathetic Miep is truly Emmy-worthy, Joe Cole is fantastic as Jan, Liev Schreiber captured the subtle yet fatherly nuances of Otto Frank and Billie Boullet is so effective as the rebellious but charming Anne. I love how they focus the shift on Miep's story and we get to know her more, though they are liberties taken. We saw the war through her eyes and all the sacrifices she and Jan had to make to be a beacon of hope and a small light to the downtrodden in the midst of all this evil. This is one of the best portrayal of WW2 and Holocaust. Episode 3 made me cry and I'm sure I'll be shedding some tears in the coming episodes, especially when the Franks are discovered. I simply don't have enough words how much I love the series. It deserves more attention.

Everyone should watch this. Astonishing. Astonishing!!

[janet-11050 · 10/10 · 18 May 2023]

This may be the best miniseries I've ever seen. The acting, writing, cinematography, costumes, direction puts you in the story. Bel Pawley is revelatory. Liev Schreiber is the father we all want. Joe Cole's quiet morality is amazing. All of the actors, OMG. You feel like you're there, day to day, with people to whom we can all relate, those just living their lives, and those seduced by fascism.

They all lived in a multicultural country with free speech, nightclubs, and work. Disaster came upon them slowly. Then they had to do extraordinary things to try to save friends and neighbors when the world crashed in around them. The beauty of the series is you can see yourself in them. Watch it.

Illuminating

[ctowyi · 8/10 · 2 June 2023]

We finished this 8-episode mini-series over three evenings. It is good one, a damn good one.

This is the Anne Frank story but told from the perspective of Miep Gies, a Dutch woman who risked her life to shelter Anne Frank's family from the Nazis for more than two years during World War II.

This is a superhero story of someone ordinary who accomplished extraordinary things. But if Miep were still alive she would harangue me for using the word superhero because in her view anybody can and should do what she did.

The Anne Frank story has been seared into the world's consciousness - a story of heroic resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. Years ago I visited the Anne Frank museum and I remember thinking how could a family of eight stay cooped up in an annex for two years and why didn't more people do what Miep and her husband Jan did?

The first two episodes are very easy to watch and I loved the love story of Miep and Jan. The meet-cute is a disaster but the second time they meet is magical. It is so easy to get behind them and understand why they did it. I kept questioning myself what would I have done if I were in their shoes. Would I be brave enough?

The last three episodes are filled with suspense to breaking point. So many eleventh hour tick tock nail-biting situations that make Mission Impossible movies a joke because it happened to real people. I know exactly what happened to the Franks but I was still hoping they survive.

Sorry, my words are crap. But trust me that this deserves your undivided attention and it is surprisingly not difficult to watch even if the suffering is unthinkable. I don't know... If I have kids I would sit them down and watch this with them because there are so many brilliant teaching moments, but that's me.

The reason this is called A Small Light is because of a quote by Miep who always ended her speeches with this: "But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room."

Very, very good.

[RZNL-30514 · 9/10 · 24 May 2023]

Yes they're speaking English and not Dutch, but what do you expect? It's a series meant to appeal to a global audience as its subject matter well deserves. The locations are Dutch, the feel is Dutch (comparable to Soldier of Orange) even if all the signs are in English. It's a very, very well-made production.

Yes there are some liberties taken with the actual events, but not in a bad way. Although the eventual raid of the annex and the 'interrogation' of Miep was a bit... Well... let's say it probably didn't quite go like that.

But apparently her Austrian roots did play a part in her not being arrested.

For people complaining that the scene of Miep walking into Gestapo Headquarters is all Hollywood, please read up. Even the site of the Anne Frank House states that Miep tried, unsuccessfully, to buy the freedom of the Franks and others arrested. Probably not exactly in the way depicted here. But it's not completely fiction!

Just fantastic so far!!

[philadams-98723 · 10/10 · 3 May 2023]

The first 2 episodes are incredibly riveting tv & I was captivated from the start. The acting is superb & yes they do speak mostly with English accents but I guess this is more to appeal to a mass audience that prefers no subtitles.

It seems very authentic & I am thinking that it is keeping with the truth of this brilliant but ultimately tragic story. The characters are so relatable & you have that feeling you really are in 1940s Amsterdam. Miep comes across as extremely friendly & very like-able from the beginning. Her courage is so admirable in the face of terror that is all around her. It makes you wonder how you yourself would act in similar circumstances.

I am so impressed so far & cannot wait for the remaining 6 episodes. This series is a credit to portray one famous story in a million horror stories of the Holocaust. Do not miss this series.

Wonderful Cast and Excellent Writing

[seemingly_reel · 4 May 2023]

I've watched several episodes, and feel compelled to continue with this series, which is based on real people in Europe during World War II. The writing is effective and well paced. With the difficult themes, it would be easy for the writers to be overly sentimental or strong-handed with morality issues, but they've wisely avoided these traps. The script offers engaging dialogue and realistic scenes, brimming with empathy while reflecting the terrible dilemma of that time. I'm impressed with the cast, particularly Bel Powley, Joe Cole, and Liev Schreiber. The costumes, set design, and cinematography are all quite fitting.

Good series

[w-vanderbijl · 7/10 · 3 May 2023]

As a Dutchman I found it unbelievable at first that no Dutch was spoken and that all texts on walls, signs, etc. Are in English and not in Dutch. I can't say I got used to it, but gradually I started to appreciate how the series was put together. The setting is well put together and the actors are well cast. The series takes you from the 1930s to the Second World War. And I can well imagine that someone who is not Dutch will be less bothered by the English speaking actors. But for me it feels like I'm watching a series that doesn't take place in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, I give this series a 7.

Outstanding

[larry-butchins · 9/10 · 18 May 2023]

I generally prefer to watch "foreign" films in the original language with English subtitles, because I cannot stand the pseudo, toneless, unsympathetic, dubbed American voices. However, I don't consider this a "foreign" film as such, as it is essentially a British production, and have no problem with the characters speaking mainly English - although some German is used as well.

I think those viewers who have criticized certain historical elements in the characters, their roles, language, personalities and backgrounds, forget that this is, after all, a FICTIONAL account, albeit based on actual events. As so, writers have licence to change incidents, characters, speech, behaviour and so much more, to ensure that the script works in a film genre, and that we have not only an instructional and educational series, but also an ENTERTAINING one which you will want to follow, week after week.

This certainly hits the spot. Miep is engaging, funny, cute, courageous and very, very human. As is Jan - an ordinary "bloke", trying to do a very boring job to the best of his ability, until he is presented with a life-changing challenge. The Frank family and their guests, are all wonderfully presented as ordinary people, thrown into a horrific, terrifying situation.

But to my mind, the most impressive role is Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank. I remember him "fondly" as Ray Donovan and in other macho roles, but here he is underplayed, quiet, with a gentle sense of humour, but a core of steel, just trying to do the best for his family under horrible circumstances.

This series is to be commended for bringing the unknown story of Miep and Jan Gies to the attention of the entire world, thus it's selection of English as the main medium. It is compulsive viewing and I can hardly wait for the final two episodes - even though I know how this tragic story actually ends.

Broadly Very Good

[jtb44 · 6/10 · 7 June 2023]

This is well written and the acting is good, and the story is one that deserves to be told again and again.

However ... I don't understand the inclusion of the entirely fictional gay brother, or of the fictional resistance cell in the gay bar - not convinced that something the occupying forces would be firmly against is a good front for something else the occupying forces were firmly against.

Given the continued resonance of this story, the fictional additions make no sense, are the producers basically saying that if Miep was only saving Jewish people a modern audience would be less likely to relate? So they've added in a gay storyline to 'update' it.

I know and understand that gays were targeted by the Germans too, but I simply don't understand the need to add this whole fictional strand, to water down, what is already a powerful story of incredible sacrifice and risk and bravery.

And I say this as someone who is both gay and Jewish!

What A Disappointment

[randers-26523 · 4/10 · 24 May 2023]

It's been years since I read Miep's biography but I know this isn't her. As if her and Jan's real courage wasn't enough, they had to make Miep "a strong badass woman" who is determined to be in charge, who attacks enemy soldiers to show them she's a tough woman no matter what repercussions she might bring on those around her. Unbelievably she storms into Nazi HQ (telling Jan SHE has to be the one so he shouldn't worry his pretty little head about it) and says she's there "to see a Nazi soldier"-- DUH, we got lots of those, lady-- tries blackmail on the first because he didn't arrest her before and gets appropriately thrown out on her kiester without her bag of bribe money by the next. SO SILLY!! Incredibly stupid Hollywood writing and all they had to do was tell the story of the REAL Miep Gies.

Strong series!

[rws_20 · 9/10 · 24 May 2023]

Very powerful series, and that is thanks to some brilliant acting from the cast, and some incredibly absorbing writing. Got to give the direction its respect as well - all the elements of film making come together beautifully here.

After the first two episodes aired this series made me pick up Anne's diary and read it from cover to cover. I'd never read it before, nor did I ever study it in school, but after having read it and continuing with the series - wow, did it hit me incredibly hard; much harder than what it would have if I hadn't read it.

A Small Light really captures the story of Miep and the Frank family in the most human way it can. It helps you see what these poor unfortunate souls had to put up with during such a ridiculous and pathetic time in history.

It's a great piece of storytelling. There's so much rubbish out there today, so it's nice to find something that isn't trying desperately to throw a political message in your face! I'm glad that good writers still exist even if they are in a very small minority these days.

Inspiring and uplifting

[steveinadelaide · 8/10 · 4 June 2023]

"A Small Light" is a profound and moving retelling of the Anne Frank story that gifts her tale to another generation. The mini-series narrates the history of the Frank family in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as seen through the eyes of Miep Gies, one of the heroic people who aided in their concealment. The daring resolution to portray Anne as a minor role is bold and grants a successful result.

The series is a profile of extreme courage, illuminating the bravery of those who stood up to evil in the face of great danger. The acting in "A Small Light" is superb, with Bel Powley and Liev Schreiber delivering standout performances. The direction is excellent, and the cinematography and production design are top-notch. The score is hauntingly beautiful, and the editing and pace are well-done. The dialogue is poignant and moving, and the themes of courage, gratitude, and integrity are powerfully conveyed.

Watching "A Small Light" evokes profound anguish, primarily because we know how it ends. However, amidst this sorrow and loss, the series skilfully intertwines moments of defiance, humour, and perseverance, which serve as glimmering beacons of hope. It stands as a powerful testament to the scars borne by humanity and the dire consequences that arise when individuals fail to confront evil. "A Small Light" is a charming, poignant drama and a powerful, moving series that inspires and uplifts you.

I Was Not Expecting This Show to be Good, Let Alone This Good!

[mataidixiong · 10/10 · 23 May 2023]

This show is excellent. I have never been one to be into much about Anne Frank, though I am aware it is a tragic story but this show makes me care...a lot.

The show is a miniseries essentially and the last two episodes have just aired on Disney+ and it is just brilliant. This is a show about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the face of very, very real consequences. These people are not perfect by any means, they make mistakes, they doubt themselves, they question their own decisions and then they take action and live with the risks, the consequences of these choices.

It just really paints what a horrible time it must have been to be alive, especially for Jews and there are moments where you feel like everything is going to be ok and then very quickly, it isn't. They also do a really good job of humanising the Germans too, they aren't all portrayed as monsters but they also aren't brushed with an untrue shade of light either.

This is a show of broken people during a broken time trying to be a little less broken and repair other breaks where possible. It really is a deep dive into what it means to do good things, even if it comes at a cost, a dive into what it means to be human and whether you can stay human in a world where evil is at its worst.

It isn't an action series, it is a slow burn but goodness me, it is worth the slow pace. This show is compelling and I just don't think enough people know about it or would choose to watch it without a recommendation. I give it a very strong recommendation indeed, excellent show by excellent writers performed by an excellent cast.

My first review

[christianremington · 9/10 · 3 May 2023]

I joined IMDB shortly after it made its appearance on the Internet circa 1993.

The production design is incredible. The cinematography is excellent. The acting is spectacular. The story is engaging. The historicity is exemplary.

I, usually, do not gravitate toward dramatic media. However, this production is so well balanced that I was sucked in very quickly.

Not once was I ever bored and anticipated every scene. The screenplay writers must be acknowledged for their incredible efforts.

I look forward to the remaining episodes and hope others will appreciate the great effort that has been put into this project.

Very good series

[zappapappa-528-951161 · 9/10 · 4 June 2023]

I'm a Dutchman, I was born in 1966, my parents 40 years before me in 1926 and their parents 36 years before them in 1890. In our family we lost members during those years. So as you might imagine I was raised and educted with what happened during those days. Even though my family's origins lie in Rotterdam, I reckognize a lot of what my (grand)parents told me.

No1 thought the war would come to The Netherlands and all of a sudden it was there. And once it was, it got from bad to worse and worser.

But my parents were relatively young when it all started and when I asked my mother what it was like in those days she said: "Kind of exciting". I guess the burden of that hell fell to the older generation. But due to my upbringing the stories my family told me are ingrained in my memories.

This series managed to capture a lot of what I've been told and was educated in school (when they still thought WWII was important). What a hell it must have been. Always worrying about the next day, the food, wood to burn your stove (1944 was a really really cold winter). And in 1944 every1 thought "we" would get liberated, but it took the Allied until 1945 to set the whole of Holland free.

It's not claiming to be accurate

[paulapantsdown · 10/10 · 4 June 2023]

Firstly, many reviewers here complaining of inaccuracies. Each episode opens with the fact that it is inspired by a true story. Some characters, locations etc are made up. Yes, 99% of this is in English. Which is something done in order to reach a wider audience.

Don't let the reviews of those upset who did not read the disclaimer put you off this amazing story, loosely based on Miep Gies and what her and her colleagues done to help Jewish people being slaughtered worse than animals. That is the atrocity, not the fact that Miep in A Small Light liked the odd tipple.

Bel Powley is a power house, and the rest of the case absolutely shone.

Authenticity

[guudsje · 3 May 2023]

Actually, the Frank family was hiding with one other family and another friend was added later. Together they lied with 8 people in the Achterhuis.

However, the way Miep is portrayed is far off her personality. She wasnt a drinking girl. In fact, going to a pub wasnt considered good manners in the Netherlands back then. It has Miep wrong, it has Dutch culture wrong and Jan wasnt previously married.

Miepen was fiesty, but not ill mannered, nor was Jan someone to raise his voice or unwilling to help either.

It has, and only watched the first episode, too many facts wrong that are eady to verify. Miep wrote her own lifestory and this doesnt come even close.

Why so linguistically incorrect

[willymartin · 6/10 · 3 May 2023]

I am quite disappointed that while the characters speak German (Austrian) very well where script dictated, the rest of the dialog taking place in the Netherlands is spoken with an British accent. Dutch people don't use the word "bloke" surely the directors and producers could have utilized Dutch actors or linguistic coaches to sound Dutch at least.

I waited for this series with great aniticipation. I was born in the Netherlands and gave been a student of WWII and the impact on the Dutch because of the negative generational impact it made on my parents. The Dutch are some of the most able people in the world when it comes to speaking multiple languages. They should not be presented speaking British.

Fantastic miniseries

[kirstencoulter · 10/10 · 18 May 2023]

Truly excellent. Excellent miniseries. Excellent writing, excellent acting. I have heard and seen many stories regarding the Holocaust and particularly Anne Frank and the other people in the annex. This is wonderfully unique. We should all aspire to have the courage and bravery of Miep and Jan Geis. No hesitation. They both knew the right thing to do and immediately jumped into action. With each new episode, I anxiously anticipate the next episode. I wish this miniseries would continue for years. I will be sad to see it end. All actors, writers etc should aim to produce work this outstanding.!

Very Good but Unneeded Fictional Brother

[jeepgirl22 · 7/10 · 24 May 2023]

The series itself is very good. This is a part of the Anne Frank story that I did not know. Reading additional info on Miep & Jan was quite fascinating, including their continued close relationship with Otto Frank. I absolutely loved the character of Jan and his portrayal by Joe Cole. I think he was the best fleshed out portrayal. His love for his wife, his nobility, his heartbrokenness at sorrowful news was just perfection. Who wouldn't fall in love with him? I would love to give this a higher rating than a 7 bit unfortunately the creators of this series decided to but a bit of "wokeness" in the story via the entirely fictionalized character of Miep's adopted brother who is portrayed as a homosexual. Miep had five foster brothers, none known to be gay. So this part of the storyline is fiction and a lie, basically so they can check off the box of gay character. Which brings down the whole quality of the production.

Where to start....

[rjenkinsphotographer · 4/10 · 21 May 2023]

Good dialogue and authenticity were obviously dumped for this series. It is far too contemporary, it feels like a piece written by a team of modern day American writers for a (mainly) British cast, because that is exactly how it comes across as, some of it is laughably bad.

The depiction of Miep Gies as a jolly, fun-loving, frivolous, boozing girl is terrible. The aim seems to be 'Emily In Amsterdam'.

This series could have been set in London during the late 30s/WW2 for all that matters, but this is supposed to be at least (loosely) an historical piece, focused on Miep Gies & the Frank family she hides, set in Amsterdam featuring the persecution of the Jews and an invasion of a country (The Netherlands) by the Nazis. The sheer horror of all of this seems to have been lost in this holiday postcard depiction of events.

If this were a total piece of fiction it'd be bad enough but this is supposedly based on a real story. Artistic licence aside this is really not very good.