Back to Berlin

Back to Berlin is an emotionally riveting 2018 documentary that instigates a contemplative journey into the past while highlighting the significance of tolerance, freedom, and the art of not forgetting our history. Directed by Catherine Lurie, the film captures the emotional experiences of 11 powerful protagonists - motorcyclists who are descendants of the Holocaust survivors. The cast includes, among others, charismatic actors Yoran Maron, Dan Marom, and the Holocaust survivor Joseph Gottdenker.

The movie foregrounds a meditative ride that takes the protagonists from Israel to Berlin. They traverse through nine countries, covering approximately 4,500 miles during their monumental journey. The primary objective is to carry the Maccabiah torch from Tel Aviv to Berlin, performing torch-lighting at every Holocaust monument. The Maccabiah torch is a symbol of defiance against oppression, and its travel signifies the reclamation of dignity, heritage, and history by the victims of the Holocaust.

Guided by the survivor, Joseph Gottdenker, their mission is purposeful - to honor the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Gottdenker, born in Poland, survived the concentration camp as a child and eventually migrated to Canada. His vivid recollections provide a haunting juxtaposition to the scenic but potentially harrowing tour across Europe.

On this motorcycle mission, each rider has a personalized story to recount and a family history connected with the devastating events of World War II. All of them are bound by a common thread, their Jewish heritage, and the shared history of the Holocaust. Their riveting narratives and the unveiling of personal family photographs provide an intimate understanding of their ancestors' experiences in the concentration camps.

A prominent character – Yoran Maron, an Israeli entrepreneur and athlete, leads the biker squad on this challenging journey. Another key figure is Dan Marom, a social entrepreneur and the author of Exploding the Myths. Their participation and interaction throughout the journey provide compelling sub-narratives that enhance the film's emotional depth.

The riders navigate through various cities and small towns that once stood witness to the atrocities against Jews. The use of drone footage further amplifies the narrative by offering scenic beauty and contrast against the stark past. Various historical landmarks, memorial sites, concentration camps, become the stops where the bikers offer their tributes.

Also noteworthy is their stop at Auschwitz—the omnipresent symbol of the Holocaust's horrors. It's a particularly poignant moment of the film, deeply emphasizing the emotional gravity of their mission. This solemn visit stirs powerful emotions and sparks conversations about their respective familial histories tied to the Holocaust.

As the journey progresses towards Berlin, the riders tackle their emotional baggage, negotiate their riveting pasts, and pave the way for reconciliation with their heritage. Their journey is not just physical, but also an emphatic voyage towards understanding, acceptance, and remembrance. The bike journey turns into a personal pilgrimage of sorts for each rider, and the audience is intelligently involved in their journey, making the experience introspective and profound.

Back to Berlin's cinematography is commendable, capturing the poignant journey against the backdrop of stunning landscapes. The scenes in the film evoke an array of emotions, from despair to hope, from tragedy to resilience. The concluding part of the film portrays the grand event of the European Maccabi Games held in Berlin, where the riders finally end their journey.

The entirety of Back to Berlin serves as a heartfelt homage to the Holocaust victims. It isn't merely a record of a motorcycle tour, but an in-depth exploration of the road these descendants must tread to connect with their historical roots and confront the haunting narrative of their forebears' sufferings. It's a defiant story of humanity that insists we remember and reflect. The film challenges the audience to consider the importance of memory and the dangers of forgetting history. Overall, Back to Berlin is both a deeply personal and universally resonating cinematic journey that offers a moving perspective on Holocaust remembrance.