Actors Robert Davi and Danny A. Abeckaser star in the new World War II drama “Bardejov.”
Danny A. Abeckaser directed from a screenplay by Shmuel Lynn. It was released on March 19 via Gravitas Ventures.
Aside from Davi and Abeckaser, the film also stars Kyle Stefanski, Dean Miroshnikov, Darren Weiss, and Omer Hazan.
The movie tells the harrowing story of the Jews of Bardejov in Slovakia, who were almost completely wiped out during the Holocaust.
The synopsis is: Young Hilnka Guards disrupt a peaceful morning in Bardejov, plastering posters demanding that every Jew in town registers for work.
Rafuel Lowy (Robert Davi), a rabbi and wine maker meets with the Jewish council to make a plan of action against the Guard’s orders, keeping all boys in town in the brewery.
After the town’s girls are able to sneak in and get boys out, with the rest released the next morning, another order is issued: all girls in the town must present themselves for work in a shoe factory in the East, with no exception.
The streets erupt with chaos. After Lowy discovers there is no shoe factory and the girls will be taken to Auschwitz, they plan to administer Typhus shots on the girls to force quarantine in the town and attempt to save the girls.
Robert Davi delivers a controlled performance as the rabbi that truly runs the gamut: he is subtle, sentimental, and bold, all in one.
A cameo from Emil Fish
Holocaust survivor Emil Fish also makes a cameo in this movie (and serves as a producer), which makes it even more compelling.
This is a movie that will educate the audience on the atrocities and the unjust treatment of the Jewish people during the Holocaust, and it is done from the viewpoint of somebody who experienced it all.
The Verdict
Overall, “Bardejov” is a raw film that will certainly move viewers on an emotional level due to its unflinching nature. Strong performances led by Robert Davi give this drama its beating heart.
The supporting cast is just as memorable, and they all help tell this crucial story that needs to be told, especially since it was inspired by real events.
Danny A. Abeckaser and the actors deserve to be commended for their brevity and honesty in bringing this narrative to life. “Bardejov” is worth more than just a passing glance, and it garners two thumbs up. Bravo.
