La Tregua is a compelling film overall, as it focuses on Primo Levi's journey home after being held in Auschwitz. It is eye-opening to see how tough it was for prisoners of concentration camps to adjust back to their newfound liberty and reminds me of a documentary I watched a few years back about the struggles of criminals having to adjust to normal life after being in prison for so long. While disturbingly real at some points, such as when Primo Levi claims that war never ends and his doubt of the existence of God, because "God cannot exist if Auschwitz exists," I found it touching to see the moments in which Primo Levi's appreciation for life slowly came back after the horrors he had experienced. I have seen other movies about the Holocaust, but what was touching about this film was watching the protagonist reclaim his life after what he went through. The scene that meant the most to me personally was when Primo Levi revealed a sense of humor when he acted like a chicken on the farm in an effort for food from the farm owner for him and those with him. It showed that he was not completely destroyed; he did not lose himself and aspects of his personality, like his humor, after being a prisoner of the Nazis. This scene resonated with me because it showed that there is hope. There is hope for things to get better. Another scene that resonated with me was when a German soldier kneeled down, showing remorse, after he saw Primo Levi in his Auschwitz uniform. I was not expecting this and have never seen a German soldier express that behavior in any other Holocaust film.
Alissa, I agree with your point that Primo tries to reclaim his life after Auschwitz. I think it was symbolic that he decided to continue to wear his prisoner uniform as a reminder that to everyone else that there are things you can't sweep under the rug.
Some aspects of the film that I found most compelling was the wave of emotions after liberation. Even after being free the refugees still feel lost. The scene where Primo is trying to sell the white shirt in this huge crowd of people was saddening for me, because the people wanted to forget and not think about the atrocities that took place. It was tragic to see him trying to communicate with them in Russian and explain that he is a jew, that he came from Auschwitz and he's hungry. The whole film is filled with moments that are similarly sad like this. Moments where the spirit of a person seems to be crushed even after liberation. However, even in those small glimpses of spiritual exhaustion, there is this hope and relief that there can be normalcy.
One scene that resonated with me, and with what I mentioned in the earlier paragraph, is when they put on a show in the refugee camp and the men approach the woman to dance. This scene for me was so beautiful because there was this simplicity to just dance with one another. The close up shots of peoples faces pressed against another persons body was like a way of showing love and support. Not only that, but another way to enjoy freedom even though they were stuck in that refugee camp.
I was also struck by the scene where Primo tries and fails to sell the white shirt. His quest for just a bit of food early on in the film is of course sad, but the language barrier makes it pitiful. Then, the Russians avoid him when they hear he is a Jew because of their determination to distance themselves from the atrocities is aggravating. It causes one to wonder how people could be so cold to someone so pathetic, but such behavior is always easier said than done.
The spoken interactions among the characters in The Truce are very touching. The people, experiencing serious devastation, speak so gently to one another. In particular, I liked to see the warm reception of Primo by the soldiers of the Russian military base. It is in this scene that Primo interacts with another Italian for the first time, and the familiar, gentle way with which they converse is wholesome. The community of displaced Italians at the rehab camp is interesting to behold in terms of the culture clash with the Russians. The Italian men become 'friends' because they have no one else to talk to. The gentle way of conversing shines through even in his interactions with the Greek man, whom he does not really like and argues often with -- they do not yell or fight physically. I think this manner of speaking is different from most films that depict war or, indeed, any interactions among men, which are normally aggressive. These manners symbolize the behavior of average, everyday people who do what they can to get along with others and make the best of bad situations.
The most touching moment of the film was when Primo is kissed goodbye by the head doctor at the rehab camp. Primo's employment in the hospital was heartwarming because he is an intelligent, mild-mannered man who has been displaced from his study at home because of greater circumstances. He finds a niche at the hospital that allows him to make friends and even fall in love, a little bit of normal in an extreme situation. Primo is kissed happily goodbye by the doctor who values his skills, which clashes so harshly against the Nazi ideals that sought to remove his wonderful existence.
I, too, found the manner of interactions in the film to be unique. The lack of aggression is something I haven't seen in films of similar subject matter. It's a unique take on not only masculinity in the time period, but a statement on humanity as a whole (As you spot-on point out the "average, everyday people").
I too was surprised at how gently people, especially Primo, spoke to one another. After the horrors that they were witness to, to be able to still care and be compassionate towards other was very emotional.
I always find movies about the Holocaust to be compelling and moving. They portray such a violent and inhumane time period of our world that one might expect during the beginning of humanity, but definitely not in the 20th century. I had never heard of this movie before this class, but I am happy I had the chance to watch it and learn of Primo's story. This film is different than other films about the Holocaust such as Life is Beautiful, which portrays a man and his families struggles during their time in a concentration camp, because this film centered around what happened after they had been freed and how it hard it was to return back to "normal" life.
The scene that was most touching to me was the final line of the film, where Primo breaks the fourth wall and talks to the viewers as he sits at his desk with his uniform in front of him and an open notebook. What he said was really moving and has a way of making you immediately appreciate the life you live and the desire to never take anything for granted.
I do agree that movies about the Holocaust portray such a violent and inhumane time period of our history, and in The Truce that is shown, but I can appreciate how this film in particular focuses on the reawakening of Primo after surviving such a horrific experience.
I was particularly touched by the ideas of liberation and sense of journey. Media concerning the Holocaust often is depressing (as it obviously should be). The Truce, however, provides a storyline with a grander scale that takes some good away from the bad. The idea of Primo's character changing in response to his survival is not only rewarding cinema, but a different take on the Holocaust. Transformation, ultimately, comes about - even if it was forced via violent, disgusting times and rules.
The very final scene in which Primo breaks the fourth wall strikes me the most. His line (and the use of breaking the fourth wall) circumnavigate his transformation - completing it and having him reflect on himself and his own changes. He gains self-awareness - adding to his war-torn identity and it is a beautiful ending to a long journey. The notebook on his desk is a nice touch, as if to be an allegory to a long story representing his journey/life.
For me it was the scene when they arrive on Germany territory, and Primo Levi walks up and shows his number and the guys looks sorry and silently looks at him and then kneels down. I thought this was a powerful scene.
This had to be the second most powerful thing in the film to me. It made me wonder how many Germans felt a deep sense of guilt when it was all said and done.
This scene was also really powerful. It showed the shame that the Germans felt and the sadness. It was truly moving and I honestly got chills watching it.
The most touching aspect of the film that meant the most to me had to be the scene where Primo defends the lady when she is yelled at for eating too much food when they were all at Auschwitz. He says that the worst thing the nazis did to them was to crush their souls and take away their compassion. That had to be the most emotional part of the film in my opinion.
I think the most touching scene for me was when the refugees learned that Hilter had fallen. That moment of bliss that everyone felt was extremely touching to me because the pain they experience while being a prisoner resonated with me and i was able to feel the joy along with Primo for his newly found freedom.
The scene that meant the most to me would be when Primo gave his bread to the children. It showed me that despite the troubles he had and no real guarantee that he would be able to eat, he was able to give willingly to those children. His sufferings were disregarded and he cared for them more
The most touching part of the film for me was when the refugees were freed from Auschwitz. The idea of them finally being free and liberated was really touching to me and actually made me quite emotional. The whole film in general was pretty touching. It took Primo 9 months to finally reach his home again and just that journey as a whole and the fact that he was able to finally get home safely was so moving and beautiful.
This scene also had me quite emotional because you see the refugees in such great suffering that when they're finally freed its such a moment of victory.
The most touching aspects of the film to me were definitely after the liberation and the interactions everyone had with one another. The refugees finally being freed after going through hell and back and seeing Germans showing the shame and sorrow they felt for the refugees was really compelling.
The scene that meant the most to me was also when Primo offered his bread to the children. It showed how much compassion Primo still had despite everything he and everyone else was going through. When the next meal is never guaranteed, it can most definitely harden a person and make them somewhat selfish, but Primo put aside his hunger to make sure the children were fed.
I liked that scene too. Unfortunately this is still very common in many countries (meals not being guaranteed). We still see that many countries today are still going through partially the same things that people endured during the Holocaust.
1) This film showed the effects Auschwitz had on individuals who were imprisoned there. It showed how they were permanently scarred with the torture and inhuman practices they went through during the holocaust. The film was a detailed journey in which Primo went through. I saw how they can never forget what happened to them and have to take it with them throughout their new freedom. 2) The scene that I liked the most was when they found out that Hitler had been stripped of his power and the Allies won. They are now free. It felt so liberating and sad that people had to gain freedom and wasn’t already there. They had to endure so much pain for it.
I resonated with Primo's character and the fact that he was able to make sense of what was going on around him. He understood the horror of everything he and the others went through but he tried not to let it overtake him. In one scene he says that the worst thing the Germans did was to crush their souls and their compassion and to fill that void with hatred for each other. To be able to understand that level of emotion after such a trauma was very moving to me.
I would also say that the last scene had a lasting impact on me. As Primo sits in the library, looking at a rose and his old uniform, he reflects on his time in the camp. When he starts talking it's to bring attention to the luxurious lives that the viewers have lead and that they can't ignore the horrible things that happened at Auschwitz. It brings into question what we take for granted in everyday life and the things that we end up complaining about.
La Tregua is a compelling film overall, as it focuses on Primo Levi's journey home after being held in Auschwitz. It is eye-opening to see how tough it was for prisoners of concentration camps to adjust back to their newfound liberty and reminds me of a documentary I watched a few years back about the struggles of criminals having to adjust to normal life after being in prison for so long. While disturbingly real at some points, such as when Primo Levi claims that war never ends and his doubt of the existence of God, because "God cannot exist if Auschwitz exists," I found it touching to see the moments in which Primo Levi's appreciation for life slowly came back after the horrors he had experienced. I have seen other movies about the Holocaust, but what was touching about this film was watching the protagonist reclaim his life after what he went through. The scene that meant the most to me personally was when Primo Levi revealed a sense of humor when he acted like a chicken on the farm in an effort for food from the farm owner for him and those with him. It showed that he was not completely destroyed; he did not lose himself and aspects of his personality, like his humor, after being a prisoner of the Nazis. This scene resonated with me because it showed that there is hope. There is hope for things to get better. Another scene that resonated with me was when a German soldier kneeled down, showing remorse, after he saw Primo Levi in his Auschwitz uniform. I was not expecting this and have never seen a German soldier express that behavior in any other Holocaust film.
ReplyDeleteAlissa, I agree with your point that Primo tries to reclaim his life after Auschwitz. I think it was symbolic that he decided to continue to wear his prisoner uniform as a reminder that to everyone else that there are things you can't sweep under the rug.
DeleteI too was moved in the scene where the German soldier kneeled down after seeing that Primo had on an Auschwitz uniform.
DeleteYes, that scene was definitely touching! I did not expect the solider to kneel at all.
DeleteSome aspects of the film that I found most compelling was the wave of emotions after liberation. Even after being free the refugees still feel lost. The scene where Primo is trying to sell the white shirt in this huge crowd of people was saddening for me, because the people wanted to forget and not think about the atrocities that took place. It was tragic to see him trying to communicate with them in Russian and explain that he is a jew, that he came from Auschwitz and he's hungry. The whole film is filled with moments that are similarly sad like this. Moments where the spirit of a person seems to be crushed even after liberation. However, even in those small glimpses of spiritual exhaustion, there is this hope and relief that there can be normalcy.
ReplyDeleteOne scene that resonated with me, and with what I mentioned in the earlier paragraph, is when they put on a show in the refugee camp and the men approach the woman to dance. This scene for me was so beautiful because there was this simplicity to just dance with one another. The close up shots of peoples faces pressed against another persons body was like a way of showing love and support. Not only that, but another way to enjoy freedom even though they were stuck in that refugee camp.
I was also struck by the scene where Primo tries and fails to sell the white shirt. His quest for just a bit of food early on in the film is of course sad, but the language barrier makes it pitiful. Then, the Russians avoid him when they hear he is a Jew because of their determination to distance themselves from the atrocities is aggravating. It causes one to wonder how people could be so cold to someone so pathetic, but such behavior is always easier said than done.
DeleteThe spoken interactions among the characters in The Truce are very touching. The people, experiencing serious devastation, speak so gently to one another. In particular, I liked to see the warm reception of Primo by the soldiers of the Russian military base. It is in this scene that Primo interacts with another Italian for the first time, and the familiar, gentle way with which they converse is wholesome. The community of displaced Italians at the rehab camp is interesting to behold in terms of the culture clash with the Russians. The Italian men become 'friends' because they have no one else to talk to. The gentle way of conversing shines through even in his interactions with the Greek man, whom he does not really like and argues often with -- they do not yell or fight physically. I think this manner of speaking is different from most films that depict war or, indeed, any interactions among men, which are normally aggressive. These manners symbolize the behavior of average, everyday people who do what they can to get along with others and make the best of bad situations.
ReplyDeleteThe most touching moment of the film was when Primo is kissed goodbye by the head doctor at the rehab camp. Primo's employment in the hospital was heartwarming because he is an intelligent, mild-mannered man who has been displaced from his study at home because of greater circumstances. He finds a niche at the hospital that allows him to make friends and even fall in love, a little bit of normal in an extreme situation. Primo is kissed happily goodbye by the doctor who values his skills, which clashes so harshly against the Nazi ideals that sought to remove his wonderful existence.
I, too, found the manner of interactions in the film to be unique. The lack of aggression is something I haven't seen in films of similar subject matter. It's a unique take on not only masculinity in the time period, but a statement on humanity as a whole (As you spot-on point out the "average, everyday people").
DeleteI too was surprised at how gently people, especially Primo, spoke to one another. After the horrors that they were witness to, to be able to still care and be compassionate towards other was very emotional.
DeleteI always find movies about the Holocaust to be compelling and moving. They portray such a violent and inhumane time period of our world that one might expect during the beginning of humanity, but definitely not in the 20th century. I had never heard of this movie before this class, but I am happy I had the chance to watch it and learn of Primo's story. This film is different than other films about the Holocaust such as Life is Beautiful, which portrays a man and his families struggles during their time in a concentration camp, because this film centered around what happened after they had been freed and how it hard it was to return back to "normal" life.
ReplyDeleteThe scene that was most touching to me was the final line of the film, where Primo breaks the fourth wall and talks to the viewers as he sits at his desk with his uniform in front of him and an open notebook. What he said was really moving and has a way of making you immediately appreciate the life you live and the desire to never take anything for granted.
I do agree that movies about the Holocaust portray such a violent and inhumane time period of our history, and in The Truce that is shown, but I can appreciate how this film in particular focuses on the reawakening of Primo after surviving such a horrific experience.
DeleteI was particularly touched by the ideas of liberation and sense of journey. Media concerning the Holocaust often is depressing (as it obviously should be). The Truce, however, provides a storyline with a grander scale that takes some good away from the bad. The idea of Primo's character changing in response to his survival is not only rewarding cinema, but a different take on the Holocaust. Transformation, ultimately, comes about - even if it was forced via violent, disgusting times and rules.
ReplyDeleteThe very final scene in which Primo breaks the fourth wall strikes me the most. His line (and the use of breaking the fourth wall) circumnavigate his transformation - completing it and having him reflect on himself and his own changes. He gains self-awareness - adding to his war-torn identity and it is a beautiful ending to a long journey. The notebook on his desk is a nice touch, as if to be an allegory to a long story representing his journey/life.
I agree, "The truce," did show a different take on the Holocaust.
DeleteFor me it was the scene when they arrive on Germany territory, and Primo Levi walks up and shows his number and the guys looks sorry and silently looks at him and then kneels down. I thought this was a powerful scene.
ReplyDeleteThis had to be the second most powerful thing in the film to me. It made me wonder how many Germans felt a deep sense of guilt when it was all said and done.
DeleteThis scene was also really powerful. It showed the shame that the Germans felt and the sadness. It was truly moving and I honestly got chills watching it.
DeleteThe most touching aspect of the film that meant the most to me had to be the scene where Primo defends the lady when she is yelled at for eating too much food when they were all at Auschwitz. He says that the worst thing the nazis did to them was to crush their souls and take away their compassion. That had to be the most emotional part of the film in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think the most touching scene for me was when the refugees learned that Hilter had fallen. That moment of bliss that everyone felt was extremely touching to me because the pain they experience while being a prisoner resonated with me and i was able to feel the joy along with Primo for his newly found freedom.
ReplyDeleteThe scene that meant the most to me would be when Primo gave his bread to the children. It showed me that despite the troubles he had and no real guarantee that he would be able to eat, he was able to give willingly to those children. His sufferings were disregarded and he cared for them more
The most touching part of the film for me was when the refugees were freed from Auschwitz. The idea of them finally being free and liberated was really touching to me and actually made me quite emotional. The whole film in general was pretty touching. It took Primo 9 months to finally reach his home again and just that journey as a whole and the fact that he was able to finally get home safely was so moving and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis scene also had me quite emotional because you see the refugees in such great suffering that when they're finally freed its such a moment of victory.
DeleteThe most touching aspects of the film to me were definitely after the liberation and the interactions everyone had with one another. The refugees finally being freed after going through hell and back and seeing Germans showing the shame and sorrow they felt for the refugees was really compelling.
ReplyDeleteThe scene that meant the most to me was also when Primo offered his bread to the children. It showed how much compassion Primo still had despite everything he and everyone else was going through. When the next meal is never guaranteed, it can most definitely harden a person and make them somewhat selfish, but Primo put aside his hunger to make sure the children were fed.
I liked that scene too. Unfortunately this is still very common in many countries (meals not being guaranteed). We still see that many countries today are still going through partially the same things that people endured during the Holocaust.
Delete1) This film showed the effects Auschwitz had on individuals who were imprisoned there. It showed how they were permanently scarred with the torture and inhuman practices they went through during the holocaust. The film was a detailed journey in which Primo went through. I saw how they can never forget what happened to them and have to take it with them throughout their new freedom.
ReplyDelete2) The scene that I liked the most was when they found out that Hitler had been stripped of his power and the Allies won. They are now free. It felt so liberating and sad that people had to gain freedom and wasn’t already there. They had to endure so much pain for it.
I resonated with Primo's character and the fact that he was able to make sense of what was going on around him. He understood the horror of everything he and the others went through but he tried not to let it overtake him. In one scene he says that the worst thing the Germans did was to crush their souls and their compassion and to fill that void with hatred for each other. To be able to understand that level of emotion after such a trauma was very moving to me.
ReplyDeleteI would also say that the last scene had a lasting impact on me. As Primo sits in the library, looking at a rose and his old uniform, he reflects on his time in the camp. When he starts talking it's to bring attention to the luxurious lives that the viewers have lead and that they can't ignore the horrible things that happened at Auschwitz. It brings into question what we take for granted in everyday life and the things that we end up complaining about.