Cinema Society

Salute to Richard Trank & AGAINST THE TIDE

Average
Rating

3.1

Tuesday, January 24, 2012, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Invited Guest: Richard Trank

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Cinema Chat (Aud. 14) begins 30 minutes prior to screenings

Introduction begin 15 minutes prior to screenings (Aud. 14 & 8)

Discussion follows screenings (Aud. 14)

Salute to Filmmaker Richard Trank and

AGAINST THE TIDE

The Cinema Society is honored to welcome back Academy Award® winning filmmaker Richard Trank, who last season won the Society’s Finest Award for Best Documentary for his film WINSTON CHUCHILL: WALKING WITH DESTINY, and in 2007 he receive a standing ovation for his showcasing of I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU: THE LIFE & LEGACY OF SIMON WIESENTHAL.

Tonight Richard returns with his film:

AGAINST THE TIDE

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, AGAINST THE TIDE examines the conflict that erupted in the American Jewish community over the best means to rescue the European Jews trying to escape the Holocaust. It tells the little known story of Peter Bergson, who tirelessly stood up against American Jewish leaders in the late 30's and early 40's in an effort to save the Jews of Europe.

Not Rated.

Running Time: 102 Minutes

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1-Feb-12: Mroe - Rating: 4

It is amazing that there are still untold stories of subject that has been told by the same person so many times through cinema. It is like uncovering a buried treasure (but not in as good a way) and it leaves one wondering if there are more mysteries/unknowns.

I guess since there were millions of people affected by this horrible time in history there are millions of stories to be told. Mr. Trank’s films are always interesting and enlightening.

30-Jan-12: GB - Rating: 4

After so many films about the Holocaust, still another. Yet even for someone who has seen so many the story about Peter Bergson was new with deeply saddening information….Yes, I agree with others that some of the footage in the film we have seen so many times before and may been unnecessary but it did reveal new information. Yet this was more than the story of one man and his campaign to save Jews in Europe. The Holocaust horror is always a reminder of the results of unbridled hatred, racism ,self protectionism as well as anti immigration attitudes and laws. Fear of anti-Semitism in the American Jewish community overcame other human responses that were possible. We can see what happens when atrocities occur in the world are buried in the back of the newspaper, so that we don’t clamor for our government to pay attention to them and not be complicit in them. I for one was heartened by the inclusion of stories of the grandchildren of the Holocaust survivors working for the rescue of victims of genocides in other parts of the world. It was good they were included in the film. It gave some glimmer of hope that there can be change and that we do activate our humanity and do what we can to lessen the horrific pain in multiple generations that is the legacy of all genocides.

26-Jan-12: Mark - Rating: 2

Buried in the 102 minutes of film was an interesting 30-minute story. The remaining 72 minutes added little of significance and served mostly to dilute the force of the main narrative. Quite a disappointment.

25-Jan-12: ebee - Rating: 5

There are apparently endless stories to be told regarding the Holocaust and this controversial story was handled with grace. Richard Trank was so interesting and I am glad he has taken up the challenge to "never forget" and to tell compelling stories in such captivating manner. Thanks, Andy

25-Jan-12: RichG - Rating: 2

Margaret nailed it. In past showings Richard Trank's documentaries have been gripping and focused. Not so this one. There was no consistent flow. The film jumped all over the place. The footage, while gripping, has been seen many times before. The last ten minutes were completely unnecessary. Do we think Mr. Trank is spread too thin. Maybe fewer but better films are in order.

24-Jan-12: Margaret Downing - Rating: 2

Overall, tonight's documentary was a disappointment. Peter Bergson, of whom I knew nothing until tonight, was a courageous leader and I am glad his story - or some of it - has been told. The narration was fabulous and the supporting photos compelling. I do wish Against the Tide had focused much more detail on WHY Bergson met with so much opposition/apathy/inaction/disbelief in the U.S. on the part of American Jews. In particular, what (in more depth) was the source of Rabbi Wise's influence re: the issue at hand? In my opinion the story of the Frank family's experiences was a diversion from the main story line, as was the look at modern day efforts to fight genocide in Darfur despite the obvious parallel. These tangents made the documentary at least 20 minutes too long.