Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary directed by Ken Burns, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his captivating approach to American history. This remarkable and lesser-known story of humanitarianism during one of the world's most brutal times is available for streaming on Amazon Prime as an addon from 2016.

This gripping documentary is principally dedicated to recounting the ordeals, struggles, and triumphs of a relatively obscure yet heroically intrepid American couple, Waitstill and Martha Sharp. The Sharps were Unitarian ministers from Massachusetts who left their children behind and willingly stepped into the rings of chaos and danger in Europe during the onset of World War II.

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War, a potent mixture of history, emotion, and trial, draws on a wealth of primary sources – personal letters, journals, and reports – that give an intimate portrayal of the Sharps' journey. Their first-hand anecdotes and experiences provide a deeper understanding of their unwavering spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors and challenges.

This powerfully children plot sets when Waitstill and Martha were asked to aid and abet Jewish refugees and dissidents desperately fleeing the expanding reach of Nazi Germany. Despite the clear and ever-present danger, they set sail across the Atlantic, driven by an unwavering resolve and a boundless compassion for humanity.

The documentary captures the couple's life-and-death missions, their narrow escapes from Nazi authorities, and their tireless efforts to assist refugees in finding new lives across the globe. It underscores the depth of their bravery, their unflagging perseverance, and their willingness to compromise their safety for the lives of others facing persecution.

While the macrocosm of history often focuses on grand themes and global events, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War locates its narrative in the personal. It is a poignant reminder of the human dimension of such catastrophic times. The documentary illuminates these dark times through the lens of the Sharp's relentless determination to stand against tyranny and injustice - an ode to two ordinary people who performed extraordinary deeds amidst the storm.

The film features the voice of actor Tom Hanks as Waitstill Sharp and other notable actors who bring the couple's writings and other archival documents to life, making the film a rich tapestry of past and present, history and memory. Additionally, the visual strength of a Burns film is ever-present, with a captivating blend of archival photographs, sepia-toned reenactments, and black-and-white footage that brings viewers closer to the Sharps' reality.

The documentary film also features interviews with Holocaust survivors who were rescued by the Sharps and offers captivating insights into the profound impacts of the Sharps' sacrifices. Their testimonials reveal the undampened spirit of gratitude and the enduring influence of the Sharps' deeds that continue to echo in their lives, even after many decades.

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War is more than just a recounting of history; it is a profoundly emotional and inspirational story of resistance and rescue. It carries enduring lessons for the present times, shedding light on the price of apathy, the perils of indifference, and sharing the unforgettable message that every act of courage and kindness can make a significant difference.

For viewers who want to understand the personal stories often overshadowed by the colossal events of World War II, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War presents an excellent opportunity. It encourages us all to contemplate on the moral courage and boundless compassion demonstrated by the Sharps, ultimately revealing that humanity can indeed shine its brightest even in its darkest hours.