Anita B. (2014) User Reviews

Anita B: why is modern Italian Cinema so weak?

[niutta-enrico · 5/10 · 31 May 2014]

I will start listing the good things I found in this movie: it transmits the passion that has been put in the making. It deals finely with the most delicate matter of the past Century: the genocide of six million Jews during World War II. It gives hope.

On the other hand, however, it shows the (most irritating to me) lack of narrative depth that I so frequently find in modern Italian productions. What kind of audience could find convincing a woman saying to a girl she just met 'the best way to explain to you what love means is playing this melody on the piano'? And people who hurt other people, why would do they do that? We are not given an explanation of their behavior, not a hint. Should we believe that they are just born different from the others, that mankind could be divided into those who keep smiling (the good ones), those who never do (the bad ones) and those who sneer (the deceiving ones)? I hate it when the script requires me a leap of faith to believe the story.

I have my own theory: I think Italian cinema has reached an all-time low and people by now are so used to bad films that good Authors (like the present ones) do not feel anymore the need for a really good production, starting from a sound screenplay. I am Italian and I love movies. Nothing could please me more than watching beautiful Italian movies.

Decent Movie

[shantiviolin · 6/10 · 10 February 2015]

An intense and heartfelt movie, the story of Anita B immediately captures the attention of the viewer. Anita B is the story of a young girl who has just been rescued from the horrors of Auschwitz by the Red Cross. The movie opens showing a Red Cross van driving across the beautiful, but desolate and snowy mountains. Soon the complex and intriguing character Eli appears to escort Anita back to her new home. Anita's new life commences in the house of her only living relative: her aunt, Monika. Having lost both her parents in Auschwitz, Anita struggles to honor her aunt's request to avoid mentioning the horrors she witnessed. We even learn that Anita was loath to leave Auschwitz as her parents had not survived. Anita does not want to forget her parents and thus confides in little baby Roby about her past. The cinematography was beautiful and the story realistic. Through Anita, Eli and Monika, one comes to understand how much the Holocaust affected people's lives. Anita has a clear case of survivor's guilt, but wants to face the past. Eli and Monika are both frustrated with Anita's inability to forget. Both don't want to remember the horrible circumstances in which their loved ones died. In this way, this film shows us how much the past can influence who we are. Because of their experiences, Monika and Eli have turned into somewhat cold and selfish people. Yet this film also shows that they are not inherently like that, but rather are only trying to protect themselves from their own memories. They don't want to show how they really feel. Instead they have built a wall around them and are only trying to ensure their own survival. Monika's husband acts as the middle ground and tries to keep the peace. The romance between Anita and Eli is not simple. Learning later that Eli has his own dark past, the viewer begins to have compassion for him. At times he is kind and protects Anita, but all too often he dismisses Anita's pleas for him to stop his advances. At times he appears to be the heartless villain. At first afraid of Eli, Anita grows to love him and believes he feels the same about her. In the end Anita realizes what she wants and chooses to leave him.

The development of Anita is especially captivating. At first a small, weak, lost girl, Anita transforms into a strong young woman, who takes hold of her future. She confronts those who try to stand in her way and demands respect. Despite her troubling past, in the end, Anita is able to move on. The only baggage she has is the future.

Anita B Synopsis and Review

[rbecca2117 · 7/10 · 11 February 2015]

The Italian film Anita B., based on the autobiographic novel Quanta stella c'è nel cielo by Edith Bruck, tells the moving and often poignant story of a young Holocaust survivor, Anita, sent to live with her aunt Monika and uncle Aron in Czechoslovakia after the end of World War II. Even as a young adolescent, Anita survived Auschwitz, forced to watch her parents perish in the gas chambers. Although the movie does not explicitly recall the terrors Anita endured, we are given glimpses of her life in the concentration camp: at the beginning of the film, she is extraordinarily thin, has a partially shaved head, and is still branded with the tattoo she got in Auschwitz. Anita is determined not to forget her traumatic past, but she is surrounded by people who would rather move on. Her aunt Monika treats her unkindly, as a begrudging reminder of a life she would rather forget. Her uncle's brother Eli, who she begins a romantic affair with, scoffs at her need to talk about the past and tells her "it's over, forget it." The only person Anita can confide in is her young cousin Roby, who is too little to understand.

The movie takes a dramatic turn when Anita realizes she is pregnant with Eli's baby. Anita insists that she wants to keep the child, but Eli is angry with her, blaming her for the pregnancy and demands she gets an abortion. At the abortion clinic, the doctor gently asks her if she loves Eli, and after thinking on it, Anita tells him she doesn't. He asks her if she would like to keep the baby, and she tells him she does. Upon waking up from the sleeping gas, Anita realizes the doctor did not perform the abortion after all. Instead, he gives her the money Eli gave to him, and tells her to use it to escape. Anita is able to join up with other Jewish refugees, and at the end of the film we see her in a caravan "traveling light" to Jerusalem; she rejoices that "her only baggage is the future."

Although many films have been made recalling life in the concentration camps, fewer recount the difficulties and trauma for survivors that must return to "normal life" afterwards. Anita B. expertly conveys the struggle of a young girl who feels lost in a world she can no longer be a part of. The others in her life— her family and love interest— would rather her forget and move on, but when she attempts to do so, she realizes that she will never be happy living a life she has not chosen for herself. The movie could have ended very differently— although Eli was certainly flawed as a character, we still see that he cared for Anita. If she had been more complacent, she could have adopted a life like her Aunt Monika's: settling down, marrying Eli, and eventually having a family, all the while ignoring her past. Instead, Anita decides it would be betrayal to forget the past. She confronts it directly in escaping Eli with her unborn child, and begins the journey of creating a life for herself that she knows will make her happy. Anita B. is not merely a story about surviving, but also about thriving. We can learn a great deal from Anita's fierce dedication to pursuing freedom at all costs, both during and after World War II.

Holocaust survivor tries to normalize life, acquires courage, etc.

[bplachinski88 · 1/10 · 4 February 2015]

Wow, I have no idea what the rest of you saw, but I gotta agree with enrico on this one. I saw this movie when I was visiting my girlfriend during her study-abroad program in Rome. We saw it together, and after the movie ended, both had the same reaction: "...eh" Yea, the picture is, generally, 'pretty.' But honestly, the plot moves slowly, it plods through -- I cannot stress how much plodding goes on... it's boring uneventful scene after boring uneventful scene, two hours of my life that i'll never get back -- until, MAGICALLY everything resolves itself. The protagonist is an overly simplistic, naive girl -- which makes sense, I guess, since it seems like this movie was written with an audience of overly simplistic, naive girls in mind. So. Thumbs down. It's mostly the script, guys. The combination of formulaic characters AND unfortunately slow plot.

Enticing Film!

[kjohns17 · 7/10 · 10 February 2015]

***Contains Spoilers***

Anita B is a movie focusing on a young girl recently freed from a Jewish concentration camp immediately after World War II. Anita is first introduced to the audience as shocked, confused and slightly lost. When we first meet her, she is starving and her hair is matted, thinning and very short. The movie follows Anita as she falls in and out of love, meets friends and searches to discover herself in the picturesque 1940's Czech Republic backdrop. Anita shows how difficult and trying life was for Jews in Eastern Europe directly following World War II, including the sacrifices and triumphs she discovers along the way.

The movie reflects 20th century Eastern Europe through displaying beautiful, serene landscapes and panoramic city views. The film is slightly under saturated and sepia, adding to its antique quality, reminiscent of old family photographs. The film is also shot in very beautiful, artistic ways that make the movie consistently aesthetically appealing to the audience. The actors are very good in this film, portraying characters that were lovable at times, and unlikable at others, creating a realistic family dynamic which the audience could relate to. I particularly enjoyed Anita's transformation throughout the movie. She began as a lost character that was defined by the legal papers stating her citizenship. Through the movie, she grew as a person, and at one point even gained confidence in realizing that she was Anita, with or without the papers. Anita begins to make a life for herself in her Aunt's house, raising her cousin, Robbie and falling in love with her roommate, Eli. Anita's presence in the household is somewhat inconvenient and undesired on Anita's aunt's behalf. Anita seeks Robbie out as an outlet for her stories of the concentration camps, having no alternate person to turn to, but is ultimately able to befriend a fellow worker in her factory once she gets a job. The character of Anita is very likable, as the young girl has obviously gone through traumatic experiences yet is still able to find joy in life. Her ability to take life lightly and have fun despite her circumstances sends a message of hope to the viewers, and serves as a foreshadowing for the future: that life will go on after the war. I liked the balance between the darker scenes, dealing with heavy emotional material such as when Anita is arrested for being caught outside as a Hungarian without her papers, to the lighter scenes where Anita feels freer, such as when she visits Eli's horse or the ending of the movie, when she acknowledges the impending happy future she will find in Palestine. Anita's character is relatable in her journey to self-discovery as a young girl and also admirable as she faces things that most Western viewers are alien to in this century. The movie depicts grave, heavy subjects yet is able to balance them out with happy scenes, and all while keeping an interesting plot to engage the viewer.

After Shocks

[thejcowboy22 · 5/10 · 7 August 2023]

When is a person actually knowing when he or she is free? Many of these Holocaust films usually take place in the camps or before they are carted away to their horrible destiny. This film is seen through the lens of Anita, (Elina Powell) who is escorted by Eli. The emotional challenges she faces. First dealing with her. Domineering Aunt who lays down the rules and has poor Anita compromised. We follow Anita throughout the film as she handles each obstacle and realizes what be free really means. Fine performances from. Andrea Osvart and Robert Sheehan as Monika's Brother-in-Law. One thing you should take with you while viewing this fcitious story, just because you have a comminality with someone doesn't mean there is love or loyalty there.

Directed by Roberto Faenza

[mbpotoskie · 7/10 · 5 February 2015]

The film, Anita B., directed by Roberto Faenza and based on Edith Bruck's novel, Quanta Stella Cè' Nel Cielo, shares the story of Anita, a young Hungarian Jewish girl who survived Auschwitz. The film follows Anita as she experiences a different type of isolation and confinement in the home of her Aunt Monika, in the Czechoslovakian town of Zvikovez. While Monika, Monika's husband, and her husband's younger brother, Eli, all strive to erase all memories of the past few years from their minds, Anita resolves to never forget anything, particularly memories of her parents, who were killed in front of her at Auschwitz. Anita is also restricted to Monika's apartment for months because she lacks the proper documentation to live in Czechoslovakia. Despite this confinement, Anita proves herself to be both creative and true explorer through the scenes she paints on her baby nephew's walls, journeying, and in the few times that she ventures out of the house. Indeed, Anita spends much time telling stories form her life to her small nephew. However, Anita's sense of self is challenged by her romantic relationship with Eli. Their relationship climaxes when Anita discovers that she is pregnant. Despite Anita's wishes, Eli forces her to go to Prague to have an abortion. However, the doctor in Prague realizes that Anita wants to keep her baby and does not perform the operation and instead gives her his doctor's fee. The doctor's protection and support of her choices seems to ignite Anita's confidence and motivation: she runs away from Eli and searches out a friend in Prague who acts as a 'ferrywoman' for refugees who wish to travel to Palestine. The film ends as Anita travels to Palestine, describing her passage as "a journey to the past with only one piece of baggage: the future".

Anita B. is one of the few films that examines the aftermath of the Holocaust, relative to the numerous films that take place during the Holocaust. While watching the threads of the story weave together, one finds oneself entranced by the smallest gestures, micro-expressions, and awkward conversations of the characters. These exceptionally human interactions bring a humble truth to the film. The breathtaking cinematography, thoughtful performance by the actors and actresses, and articulate screenplay pull the viewer into the heart of the story and force the viewer to perform a certain level of introspection. Indeed, the poetic last line of the film not only serves as the realization of Anita's independence and courage as a human being and also as a woman but also speaks to the responsibility the viewer of the film, as a participant of the story. More specifically, the viewer's responsibility as a witness of history; to remember, that as we move into the future, we must not allow the violations of human rights, loss of human life, and oppression of the holocaust to repeat again.

Great film

[mlemay-230-607571 · 6/10 · 4 February 2015]

I found Anita B. to be a very compelling movie. It deviated from the normal Holocaust narrative, choosing to focus on the survivors and those who did not want to remember. It portrayed the complexities and diversity in the way that victims deal with grief and trauma. It showed those who choose to forget and those who fought to remember. By choosing to not focus on the horrors of what actually happened in Auschwitz the movie depicts the unsettling idea that those who survived were not necessarily free. Being Jewish is still not something Monika is proud of. Surviving is not something Monika is proud of instead she is ashamed. This showing how surviving the Holocaust is just one small piece to an individual's recovery. There is so much grief and guilt that individuals dealt with because they survived while the people they loved were killed. Another aspect I found intriguing about the film was how Anita's caring for Rob foreshadowed her future of motherhood. I think that the relationship she builds with Roby throughout the film is important because it proves to the viewer, and to Anita herself, that she can handle motherhood. This is important because it also highlights her growing confidence and independence. Her pregnancy becomes a symbol of the future and the possibilities of the future. I think an interesting line in the film is when Eli says that he does not want to bring a child into this world, implying that this world is too evil for a child to have to suffer through. However, I think that Anita's child symbolizes something completely different: that another generation will come and that this generation won't know the pains of the Holocaust the way Anita does. Her child symbolizes a hope for the future and the possibility of a better future for all persons. The movie ends on a hopeful note. Anita sets out on a journey by herself, without a man. She has grown into the woman she wants to be and she has taken charge of her life. She is no longer afraid.

Anita B.: A Refreshing and Compelling Film

[lodekirk · 8/10 · 4 February 2015]

Set in post-World War II Europe, Roberto Faenza's compelling film follows the path of Anita: a fifteen-year-old Hungarian orphan and Holocaust survivor sent to live in Czechoslovakia with her only living relative, Aunt Monika. Anita falls from the grasps of Auschwitz into the threshold of a different kind of imprisonment, as she is unable to leave her new home until her papers arrive. Stuck within the confines of her aunt's house, Anita's only serious companions are Robby, Monika's baby son, and Eli, the handsome and devilish younger brother of Monika's husband. As she falls into the rhythms of the home and a budding romance with Eli, her new life appears to be set until she encounters and befriends David—a young and sincere Jewish man with dreams of a new life in Jerusalem. Now, harboring a huge secret and once again faced with the difficult decision of leaving behind all she knows, Anita must take matters into her own hands as she forges her future.

Based on Edith Bruck's popular Italian autobiographical memoir, "Quanta Stella C'è Nel Cielo", the film expertly deals with the powerful and rarely depicted theme of post-Holocaust survivor's guilt. Anita, the sole survivor in her immediate family, constantly yearns to discuss her devastating past with anyone who will listen. However, her pleas fall on deaf ears. Neither Eli nor Monica, both survivors in their own right, wish to relive what happened; much to Anita's chagrin, they insist on moving forward and never addressing the past. Constantly reminded "surviving is one thing and living is another," Anita stumbles over the harrowing path of moving on, finding a confidante initially in baby Robby, and later in David.

This difficult tale could not be expressed without an unbelievable and complex group of characters and actors; luckily, Faenza has both. Up-and-coming actress Eline Powell captures the title character with an intensity and honesty that resonates with anyone watching. From teenage innocence to survivor's guilt, from demons of the past to dreams of the future, Powell thoroughly explores and represents all of Anita's binary oppositions. And yet, her performance is rivaled by that of co-actor Robert Sheehan. Playing both the friend and foe, Sheehan superbly depicts Eli in all of his complexity. He pushes the character past the flirty Casanova and evil seducer to reveal a tortured soul who cares about Anita in his own, twisted way. Andrea Osvart, playing the remorseful Monika, delivers a brilliant performance and leaves the audience feeling conflicted about her unsteady relationship with her niece. This refusal to identify any character as a villain or hero is perhaps the film's most compelling element; the individuals are simply people, dealing with an incomprehensible situation in the best way they can.

While Anita B. covers a dark and difficult subject, its beautiful cinematography and wide array of multifaceted characters nonetheless inspires hope. "I am traveling light from the past," the title character expresses. "My only baggage? The future."

Artful and Driven

[lmzawarski · 8/10 · 11 February 2015]

"Anita B" tells a tale not often told, exploring the emotional challenges of readjusting to "normal" life. The cinematography is picturesque and strangely entrancing, and gives off the impression of a moving piece of artwork. Eline Powell (Anita) is extremely convincing, honest and powerful at every turn, and tells Anita's story with remarkable drive. One of the most effective attributes of the film, however, is the likability of EVERY character. Just as in real life, there is no true villain. Each character is complex and has a point of view, leaving "Anita B" to linger in one's mind long after the viewing is over.

Great film

[shughes3 · 8/10 · 4 February 2015]

I really enjoyed this film. Though I do not have much in common with Anita, I felt myself feeling extremely sorry for her throughout the entire film. I was watching an already broken and beat up person get beat down and ripped apart even more. Though she was faced with a lot of hardship, she remained strong and optimistic throughout the entire film! When times were rough, she got stronger, and at times when a normal person would have given up Anita remained in the game. Anita is a truly inspiring character whose optimism rubbed off on me even though the film was only about two hours. My only luggage from now on will be the future, like Anita.

Anita B.: an emotionally complex celebration of Jewish culture

[hannahschmidt12 · 8/10 · 9 February 2015]

Anita B. tells the story of a young Holocaust survivor who goes to live with her aunt and uncle in the Czech Republic following the war. When she first arrives, Anita is prohibited from leaving the house until her immigration papers are finished. She cares for and comes to love her little cousin Roby, and she shares a bedroom with her uncle's brother Eli, who treats her less than kindly by attempting to coerce her into a sexual relationship. Prior to the arrival of her papers, Anita gains her family's approval to attend a party, where the police discover her and throw her in jail. Eventually, Anita is allowed to leave the jail and return to her aunt's house. When she hears Eli's own survival story from the war, Anita develops feelings for him, and soon she allows him to sleep with her, but only after he promises that he loves her. From this occurrence, Anita becomes pregnant. Eli refuses to allow her to carry the child, and he takes her to Prague to force her to have an abortion against her will. The doctor in Prague is kind and understanding, and gives Eli's money to Anita to help her escape. She goes to the Jewish Refugee Center, where she leaves for Palestine in the hopes of being reunited with her best friend David.

The film artistically created a complex emotional story which demonstrated the various ways humans react to tragedy. Anita longed for someone to talk to about her struggles, finding it impossible to forget them and move on. Her aunt Monika demonstrated the guilt of survival when her entire family had died, resenting Anita for being another survivor and for talking to Roby about the events in Auschwitz. As Anita points out, Eli became such an unreliable romantic partner due to his experiences in the Holocaust. He fights against his emotional feelings for Anita, while simultaneously being overbearing and controlling her. Eli's difficult past made it hard to consider him the true villain of the story, even though his actions often harmed Anita. The movie balanced the difficulties in overcoming such a tragedy with the underlying hope of better days following the tragedy's end. Although we see Anita vulnerable and devastated by loss, we also believe that she can live the rest of her life at peace after the end of the film. The cinematography uses sepia tones to convey the setting of the film in the past. The scenery and the architecture displayed paint a lovely picture of the Czech Republic and the city of Prague. We are transported to a vivid Jewish culture, with upbeat, lively dances and pride which remains strong even after persecution. Overall, the film is an excellent celebration of Jewish culture that artfully combines the pain of World War II with the pride and strength of survival. It celebrates the traditions of Judaism and the hope of many more years of the religion's regrowth and prosperity.

Interesting Film

[priedler · 8/10 · 9 February 2015]

Anita B. is tale of self-discovery in a post-Holocaust Europe. At the film's commencement, the eponymous protagonist travels to Czechoslovakia, where she is taken in by her aunt, Monika. In this new place, from amidst a medley of nationalities reconciling themselves with the enormous loss that the society has sustained, Anita grows close to Eli, her uncle's younger brother. Their budding relationship is convoluted and complex, just as the character of Eli is itself complex, and Anita's own attitude towards her burgeoning 'love' seems to fluctuate due to her uncertainty as to Eli's true intentions. Although this film is a story of how Anita comes to terms with her identity as a survivor, it is also a story of how she steps up to command her identity as an individual. She befriends David, a determined young man with an equally tragic past; Edith, her musically inclined neighbor who helps her navigate the path of love; and Sarah, who organizes the passage of Jewish refugees to Palestine.

The film begins with spanning panoramic shots of the wildernesses of Central Europe, and, as Anita makes her way into society and a more populated community, the sepia-toned color palate functions as a comment on how the lives of the characters have been washed of color in the aftermath of WWII. As the film progresses, we begin to see this sepia palate juxtaposed by isolated colors' vibrancies – when Anita takes a chance and begins to decorate the walls of her aunt's home with colorful depictions of the countryside, for example. This growing appearance of color is proportionate to the sporadic blooms of brightness that are gradually pulling the characters back into normalcy.

Aside from the aesthetically appealing cinematography, the relationship between Eli and Anita is the most interesting aspect of the film. Both Eli and Anita seem unsure of how to interact with the opposite gender – Eli defaults to crude force, and Anita, to submission – and their developing romantic relationship struggles to thrive under the pressure of convolution. We, as an audience, experience Anita's fluctuating mistrust and love and heartbreak as her interactions with Eli unfold, culminating in the accidental pregnancy. Eli straddles the roles of brother, father, and lover as he guides Anita through her journey to normality, and for this, Anita is understandably grateful. Her feelings of gratefulness develop into a misguided, child-like love as she gives into Eli's forceful advances. Even as Eli reveals himself to be outwardly violent and domineering, Anita desperately clings to the idea of love – something she has sorely been without amidst all of her terrible experiences. She does not realize that she herself has fallen out of affection for Eli until a kindly doctor reveals a courage and determinedness in her that she had thought lost.

While the film's plot is, at times, slow, it does an impressive job of capturing the texture and tide of life. We need those moments of leisure in order to appreciate the dramatic shift that has taken place between Anita's life at the concentration camps and her life in her aunt's household. It is because the film mimics the sporadic banality of life that we understand how she has become so comfortable in her new life, and how hard it must have been for her to summon the courage to abandon it for her journey to Palestine.

The film Anita B. follows the story of a Jewish young woman reentering society after being imprisoned in a concentration camp where she lost both of her parents.

[arbyers12 · 10/10 · 9 February 2015]

In the film, Anita is taken to live with her Aunt Monica and her family in Czechoslovakia where she spends her days trapped inside taking care of their son Robbie and telling him of her time in Auschwitz because no one else will listen. She soon falls in love with Eli and becomes pregnant, but when he pressures her to abort the child, she escapes to Jerusalem to start a new life for herself.

The beauty of Anita B. derives from the remarkable detail brought to a simple and truthful storyline through incredible acting. Though most of the film simply shows Anita working through her daily routine, her emotions are worn for everyone to see and make her an extremely sympathetic character. Powell beautifully portrays the innocence of a young woman confused by her station in life and longing for some affection and security. Her superb acting is accompanied by that of Sheehan, who plays Eli. Throughout the story, it is difficult to make a decision about his character. At times he is lovable and sweet to Anita and in others he is so vile that it is impossible to understand how she could love him. One of the most heart wrenching moments in the film is when he tells Anita that the last thing he wants is to bring a child into that world. This complex moment truly shows the three dimensionality of his character. The death of his fiancée has destroyed his faith in the world and he cannot fathom knowingly bringing a child into the harsh society in which he is forced to live.

The film is also incredibly well written and executed cinematically. The story clearly demonstrates that everyone at that time was effected by the Holocaust in some way or another and that there was no good way to deal with the aftermath of all that pain. Anita takes comfort in describing her experiences to Robbie as a sort of therapy, but Monica plagued with the guilt of a survivor, refuses to acknowledge that anything had even happened. She copes by blocking out the past instead of remembering and learning from it. Then there is David, Anita's confidante who follows the path of many young Jewish people at the time and decides to escape the death of his parents by going to Jerusalem, and of course Eli who has taken to pessimism and women in order to numb the pain of it all. Each character is faced with the challenge of trying to move on and the difficulty of that task is executed masterfully throughout the film. The film also transports the viewer into this time period through cinematic choices made to give it the look of a much older film. The sepia quality used not only ages the movie, but also creates an essence of darkness and despair that suits the time period.

Overall a very enjoyable film!

[cbrown13-231-480955 · 9/10 · 4 February 2015]

"Anita B." tells the uplifting story of a young Jewish girl' s journey of self discovery after surviving the terror of internment camps during Nazi control of Germany. Left with no other family, Anita goes to live with her Aunt in Czechoslovakia where she discovers her aunt wishes that she leave feelings and stories about Auschwitz in the past. Her family is also hesitant to embrace their Jewish culture for fear of repercussions. During the film Anita experiences love and heartbreak but most importantly learns she is more than the number tattooed on her arm.

It is easy to forget that the effects of the Holocaust lasted long after World War 2 ended. Roberto Faenza tackles the job of directing a film that allows the audience to contemplate the less addressed issues caused by the holocaust, such as the return home of millions of Jews back into communities that were far from ideal. Anita B's story of recovery is beautifully portrayed.The film also manages to depict various ways the Jewish people cope with their losses and degradation of their culture after the Holocaust. The essence of a recovering society and the struggle of one young girl to thrive in a community torn after the war is highlighted magnificently in this film.

The Romance between Eli and Anita shown in the film is far from one dimensional. As Anita's character progresses so does the complication of her and Eli's relationship. The relationship allows us to see the depth of Eli's character. At times we laugh at the young witty Eli who seems to be far from harmful. Other times we hate him and hate how he is treating Anita. We yell at out at her in our minds to leave him already. And there our times still where we simply understand him. We see how the tragic events of his past have affected him and understand why he is the way he is.

The acting in this film is another thing that deserves high praise. Eline Powell does a wondrous job portraying Anita. Powell shows incredible character development as Anita is reintegrated into society. The actress's allows the viewer to relate and empathize with the character, we as an audience are able to feel Anita's sense of imprisonment when she is forced to remain within the boundaries of her house, feel her pain when she realizes her love is not pure and feel her hopefulness when she is finally given a chance to start fresh.

Overall I highly recommend that you go see this film. Anita B. is a story of romance, a story of loss and a story of survival. It leaves us with an uplifting message to find our own inner strength just as Anita did. The movie pushes us to recognize our ability to determine our own future. It's departing remarks remind us that you and you alone are responsible for accomplishing your dreams.

Summary & Review

[ccummin3-233-421021 · 8/10 · 7 February 2015]

Anita B. is a film based on the true story Quanta stella c'è nel cielo by Edith Bruck about a young Holocaust survivor's life just following the end of World War II. The protagonist, Anita, goes to live with her Aunt Monika, Monika's husband, Aron, their son, and Aron's brother, Eli, after she is freed from Auschwitz. She is quickly thrust into a passionate love affair with Eli, which quickly turns unpredictable, unreliable, and unhealthy. Once she gets her papers, she is desperate to find and make connections with the people in her life- coworkers, family, neighbors. She slowly begins realizing that Eli is not the man with whom she fell in love, and must make difficult and life-changing decisions. Anita is constantly faced with adversity in almost every arena of her life, and emerges with strength and optimism toward her future in this story of survival and triumph.

Anita B. is a gorgeous, thought-provoking, intense, and truly extraordinary film. It embodies many of the difficulties faced by Holocaust survivors after World War II, a theme not many films have addressed. The cinematography, costuming, and scenery were all beautiful, making the film an absolute treat to watch. The acting, particularly of Eline Powell (Anita) and Robert Sheehan (Eli), was convincing, honest, and carefully thought-out. The characters were extremely complex, and the character of Eli specifically stood out to me as intriguing and multi-faceted. The film portrays Eli in all of his varying states and constantly presents him as a complex character. Sheehan was cast perfectly as Eli, and was able to embody everything that the character represented in the film. From the beginning, he is portrayed as funny, sweet, and caring. He charms both Anita and the audience, but the pain he carries deep within him slowly starts to show, subtly at first and then more obviously as the film progresses. You fall in love with him as Anita does, and then you start questioning his integrity when you see how he sometimes treats her, until you realize what he's going through and how he suppresses his agonizing emotions. You then begin feeling sorry for him because neither you nor Anita can fully blame him for his actions; as she says to him toward the end of the film, "it's not your fault, it's just the way you are." In this sense especially, the film encourages us to identify with Anita and allows us to feel what she feels in any given moment. Eli could easily have been made out to be the "villain" of the story, but we are shown that he is extremely complex and might not be as bad of a guy as one may think. I love that the story does not have a true villain, and that it focuses on Anita and her journey to find a home and herself in this new world of hers. The film leaves you feeling optimistic and proud of Anita for finally being truly freed.

Anita B.: A beautiful film

[sweetcaroline907 · 8/10 · 7 February 2015]

Anita B. tells the story of a young girl who returns to her family after surviving the Holocaust and how she and those around her attempt to move on after such a traumatic experience. The film opens with Eli meeting Anita after she has been rescued from the Auschwitz Nazi camp and follows their journey back to Czechoslovakia where Anita's other relatives, Monika, Aron, and Roby, live. Upon her arrival, she is greeted by Monika and the others in their home and is told not to go outside until she receives her papers for fear of being arrested and to never talk about what happened in Auschwitz. As Anita recovers, she feels trapped in the apartment without anything new to see or do, and without anyone to confide in. However, she is able to meet other Jews in her community when she goes to Jewish celebrations, is sent to jail briefly for not having her papers, works with others in a factory, and meets a woman who works in a music shop across the street from her apartment. While these events transpire, Anita develops a romantic relationship with Eli. At first she rejects his advances, but over time they grow close. Their relationship is not completely happy, however; Anita wishes to talk to him about her time in the camps and put her faith in him, while Eli refuses to listen to her and does not seem to care as much for her as she does for him. Time passes and Anita has the realization that she is pregnant with Eli's child. She sees the baby as an opportunity to bring new life and hope into the world but Eli insists she have an abortion because he does not wish to bring a child into a chaotic world. They go together to Prague so she can have her abortion, but ultimately she runs away from Eli, still pregnant, and finds a Jewish refugee center where she makes the decision to go to Jerusalem. The film ends with Anita leaving for Jerusalem with other Jews, her baby, and her hope for a brighter future.

The film Anita B. creates a beautiful world though its cinematography and costume; every shot is beautiful to look at and the spaces the characters move through look lifelike and as if they were pulled out of a photograph. While the film is gorgeous visually, it deals with the very weighty themes of post-Holocaust life that create a palpable tension. This unsettling feeling is reflected in the storyline of Anita and her family; the trauma of the Holocaust is in the background and few details are given about Anita's experience, but the viewer can sense Anita's quiet desperation for someone to help her as the rest of her family attempts to leave their sorrow in the past. Anita's story is ultimately uplifting and hopeful and, by the end, she stands as a strong, female, inspirational figure for Holocaust survivors and leaves viewers wishing to emulate her strength and confidence.

Excellent survey of life post-Holocaust

[kcampbe2 · 10/10 · 4 February 2015]

Roberto Faenza's Anita B. is a startlingly beautiful (and often heart-wrenching) account of the life of the young Anita, a Holocaust survivor and Hungarian Jew, following her release from Auschwitz in 1945. In a non-traditional telling of the story of the Holocaust, Faenza succeeds in his attempt to chronicle the Anita's life post-concentration camp, effectively documenting the raw emotion of both posttraumatic stress and personal renewal.

The film's protagonist, Anita, is first introduced to us as she boards a train bound for Czechoslovakia with escort Eli. Anita does not have identity papers, so she is hidden from authorities initially and, upon arrival at her new home, forced to remain inside while acting as a caregiver to a younger cousin. Throughout the film, Anita experiences a series of hardships, including imprisonment upon the discovery of her lack of documentation at a party, the loss of her virginity to womanizing Eli and eventual narrow escape from an unwanted abortion following Eli's discovery of her unintended pregnancy. Anita B. leaves viewers hungry for more information as the young heroine, freshly-liberated from the abusive Eli, boards a truck bound for Jerusalem prepared to start life anew as a writer.

At first glance, Anita B. is simply a biopic with a purpose; however, further contemplation yields an understanding of the film as an innovative piece of cinematographic art. The film's gentle sepia tone and bright lighting softens the often-dark situations through which Anita must navigate. Throughout the film, Anita is only cast in darkness when she is imprisoned for lack of identification, and even then her cell is never entirely dark.

With regards to the film's placement of its titular character within a pre-existing and seemingly pre-solidified historical narrative, the artistic choice to explain Anita's past through her own voice rather than through flashbacks to her time in Auschwitz represents a more realistic and understandable manifestation of survivor experience. European post-War reality was filled with thousands of survivors of Nazi brutality, yet following their physical recovery from the effects of imprisonment and malnutrition, survivors were often told to keep quiet and thus became invisible sufferers of trauma. Viewers of the film see Anita as her counterparts might have seen her – as a beautiful woman with an undiscussable past. Because of our distance (but accompanied by a general popular understanding of the implications of concentration camp imprisonment) we are able to better understand Anita as a human being first and a survivor second. This perspective makes Anita B. an effective communicator of strife, as well as a conscious chronicler of human experience.

As an aspiring historian, woman and human being, I can say with great confidence that Anita B. demands attention as both a piece of high art and a historical document. The film tells a complicated story of womanhood in the face of human evil and reproductive choice in a style that is as accessible as it is visually appealing. In a culture that is fond of romanticized remembrance rather than honesty in biographical cinema, films like Anita B. are so, so welcome.

Loved it!

[rbyrd-230-333500 · 9/10 · 4 February 2015]

I really loved this movie. I thought it did an excellent job of capturing a time that not a lot of people focus on in cinema. It showed the complexity of emotions that plagued Jewish people in Europe after World War II: the feelings of not wanting to forget the crimes that were committed against them, but also living now in a world where they are persecuted for talking about it or expressing their outrage openly. I thought Anita and Eli's relationship was beautifully portrayed. Eli was not portrayed as a straight up bad guy, he was shown as a complex man with different motives behind his actions. The movie did a wonderful job of not really having a real villain, and depicting the different ways people cared and dealt with their individual and collective tragedies. Aunt Monica lost her brother and sister-in-law in Auschwitz and she deals with it by not talking about it, unlike Anita, who just wants to talk about it in order to cope. Anita was a beautiful symbol of hope, courage, and strength.

Wonderful film!

[cbeatric · 10/10 · 8 February 2015]

The film Anita B by Roberto Faenza is a heartwarming, dramatic masterpiece. Shortly after World War II, a young Hungarian woman named Anita leaves the concentration camp where she spent the war. Anita moves in with her aunt Monica, a woman hardened by survivor's guilt, Monica's husband, their son, and Eli, Monica's brother-in-law. While Anita tries hard to remember her past, Monica fights to forget. Anita finds solace in her friendship with Eli, which quickly escalates into an unhealthy relationship. Anita's time in Czechoslovakia is marked by heartache and growth. As Anita finds her identity, we see her confidence soar. Despite the obstacles, Anita fights for what she knows is right and refuses to ever back down.

Anita B closely follows Anita's life after her time in Auschwitz. Within the first few minutes of the film, we see the look of despair on the young girl's face, despite her freedom from the concentration camp. We quickly understand that she is orphaned and, much like we will see with her aunt later, experiencing survivor's guilt. Faenza's ability to convey so much in such a small amount of time only begins to show his capacity as a director. Anita's desire to remember the events of her life set up initial conflict between her and her aunt. Monica knew the horrors of the camps, yet ignored them in an effort to suppress her true feelings about recent events.

Anita turns to her friendship with Eli in an effort to find an ally. Eli provides Anita with guidance and acts as a buffer between Anita and Monica by defending and protecting her. Eli's feelings toward Anita, however, appear to grow into romantic attraction and his lack of subtlety is evident to viewers. Initially hesitant, Anita feigns sleep and laughs off his advances. While her attraction is noticeable, her insecurities dominate her mind and prevent her from moving forward. Eli is a complex character, and his previous dedication to his fiancé shows that he is capable of the kind of love Anita craves. Despite this capacity, we see Eli turn into a complacent lover. Eli is fully aware of Anita's love for him, yet acts selfishly and emotionally distant. We understand that Eli's past had a profound impact on his character, yet it is hard not to get frustrated by his actions.

Anita's story is told against the beautiful background of Czechoslovakia after World War II. We see pride and shame from Jewish characters, the fear of being associated with the Nazis, and the overall degradation of certain groups. Despite living in these conditions, the undertones of strength are evident. Faenza portrays a people not broken, but reevaluating what it means to be Jewish. The hardships portrayed in the film really resonate with the audience and make deep, personal connections with viewers. This beautiful film is surely going to be a hit, and the story is so powerful that it should be retold. It is important not to ignore or forget, but to remember.

Anita B. Summary and Review

[ccyoke · 9/10 · 7 February 2015]

Directed by Roberto Faenza, Anita B. is an Italian film loosely based on the 2009 autobiographic novel "Quanta stella c'è nel cielo" by Edith Bruck. Anita B. paints a beautiful portrait of a young, orphaned Auschwitz survivor as she attempts to adjust to life in post-war Cszeckoslovaki with her Aunt Monika, Monika's husband Aron, their son Robby, and Aron's brother Eli. While Anita grieves the death of her parents, she must also cope with her aunt's resentment, a tumultuous love affair with Eli, and her struggle to find an individual to confide in. When Monika and Eli demand that Anita leave Auschwitz behind, Anita's only confidante is Monika's baby, Robby. Anita finds brief stability in a relationship, but when Anita befriends a young Jewish man named David and her relationship with Eli becomes unhealthy, Anita once must again escape a complex and stifling situation to pursue a more promising life.

While Faenza's film succeeds in several areas, not the least of which is the film's beautiful cinematography, the film's greatest strength lies in the development of its characters. Particularly compelling is the relationship between Anita and Eli, played by Eline Powell and Robert Sheehan respectively. Their blossoming affair delves into uncertainty as the upbeat and charming Eli succumbs to his anger. The complexity of Eli's character development is significant in that Faenza is careful not to portray any one villain; in other words, Eli himself is a victim of the war and of the Holocaust, he too carrying his own burden and traumas. Thus, Powell and Sheehan, whose performances are equally impressive, capture the spirit of young survivors each riddled with their own anxieties, memories, and troubles: a combination of which proves to be unhealthy for both parties, especially Anita. This complexity likewise manifests itself in the character of Monika, Anita's aunt. Often cold and dismissive, Monika's own struggle to cope with her brother's death results in a well-intentioned yet notably strained relationship with her niece. Faenza not only captures the nuances of complex relationships, but he also portrays the characters struggling with their own identities. In particular, Anita must suppress her identity as a Jewish Hungarian in order to survive; in fact, most of Faenza's characters must grapple with what it means to be Jewish in this new, still hostile and anti Semitic post-Holocaust environment.

Faenza's approach to character development more than pays off; this film in its entirety is cinematographically breathtaking, emotionally compelling, sincere, and hopeful in a way that does not feel cliché. The film captures the complexities, nuances, and hardships that must have accompanied survivors of the Holocaust. Though Faenza's characters, especially Anita, are faced with adversity even after the war's conclusion, they tackle them with a raw honesty that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Thus, the film does less to capture to the horror and atrocities of the 1940's, and does more to pay homage to those who remarkably lived and endured.