Le Chambon

In this deeply moving WWII saga, a town in France, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, becomes refuge from the Nazis and home to Jewish children from all corners of Europe. Under the guidance and inspiration of a charismatic Protestant pastor who preaches non-violence and love for all no matter what race or creed, Chambon's inhabitants are moved to take in, hide, and care for young Jewish refugees, but this becomes increasingly more difficult as the neighboring police commissioner and Nazi-sympathizers learn of the children's presence. There are so many fine elements to this drama, which won an International Emmy: the cinematography is breath-taking, the costuming detailed, and the characters' relationships with one another, themselves, and their religion complex; but it is the superb acting by the children in the film that truly lends this story a convincing realism and tremendous power. In addition to revealing a little-known chapter in WWII history, this artful period film stirs the emotions and forces viewers to consider their own values. Highly recommended. (A. Glover)