The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank by New Video Group from 2009 is a poignant mini-series drama that offers a glimpse into the lives of eight people hiding in an attic during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Based on the world-renowned diary written by a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank, the series stars Ellie Kendrick in the titular role, accompanied by a seasoned and compelling cast that includes Tamsin Greig, Geoff Breton, Iain Glen, and Felicity Jones.

The series, spread across five powerful episodes, unravels the realities of Anne's life in hiding, her relationships with her family members, as well as the struggles, fear, hope, and dreams that suffuse their every day. Ellie Kendrick, portraying Anne Frank, delivers a passionate and basically unforgettable performance. Her portrayal of a teen forced to grow too quickly under harsh war conditions creates an empathetic character who shifts between naivety and maturity effortlessly.

Tamsin Greig brings the character of Anne’s mother, Edith Frank, to life. With her nuanced performances, she presents a woman dealing with her maternal duties and the resounding dread of their circumstances. Her relationship with Anne, filled with tensions and tenderness, is a significant narrative focus that adds a layer of depth to the storyline.

The series also features Iain Glen in the role of Otto Frank, Anne's father. His portrayal of a father and husband trying to retain some semblance of normalcy in the restrictive attic, under constant threat of discovery and death, is deeply moving. Meanwhile, Geoff Breton and Felicity Jones portray Peter Van Daan and Margot Frank respectively, adding to the depth and diversity of the characters inhabiting the confined space.

While the series is primarily set in the confines of the "Secret Annex," the compact and crammed hideaway above Otto Frank's business on the Prinsengracht canal, the atmosphere never feels stifling to the viewers. Instead, it serves to exemplify the commendable human spirit and the will to survive under the harshest conditions. The series uses this backdrop to delve into the distinct personalities of its characters, illustrating their resilience and fortitude as their world grows increasingly smaller and fraught with danger.

Furthermore, the show’s production design deserves mention as it expertly recreates the claustrophobic loft where Anne and her family hid for more than two years. It adds to the realism and authenticity of the series, placing the viewer directly into the heart of the historical narrative, heightening the sense of dread, isolation, and fear that dominated the lives of those in hiding.

The Diary of Anne Frank also explores the coming-of-age theme, albeit in a highly unusual and dangerous setting. Anne's journey from adolescence to premature adulthood, amidst crippling fear and the omnipresent shadow of death, is presented with sensitivity. This makes the mini-series not only a historical narrative but also a human story, full of emotion, resilience, and the grim realities of war.

The series, although set in a harrowing period of history, is not devoid of light-hearted moments that reflect the innate human ability to find happiness in the bleakest of circumstances. The dynamics between the characters, their small celebrations, their fleeting moments of joy and periods of friction are captured beautifully, providing a multi-dimensional view of their existence in hiding.

The Diary of Anne Frank is not just a historical account but a study in human resilience and the indomitable spirit of a young girl who, despite her circumstances, believed that people were inherently good. The series illuminates the horrors of war, the fear of the unknown, but also the hope and spirit of human resilience that binds us all. It presents before its viewers a potent narrative - deeply moving and undeniably powerful. It is a tribute to Anne Frank and millions of others who bear witness to their stories that continues to reverberate through the ages.