A Bag of Marbles
Home Is Where Family Is
Overview
At the beginning of the 1940s, in a France occupied by Nazi forces, lived the Jewish Joffo family. Happy and tight-knit, she sees her future darken when all members of the family are forced to wear the yellow star. Fearing the worst, the parents organized their family to flee to the free zone in the south of the country. Maurice, twelve years old, and Joseph, ten years old, will therefore leave alone in order to maximize their chances of finding their older brothers already settled in Nice. The brothers left to their own devices demonstrate an incredible amount of cleverness, courage, and ingenuity to escape the enemy invasion and to try to reunite their family once again.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film is based on the autobiographical novel by Joseph Joffo, offering a personal and intimate perspective on the Holocaust, distinct from more sweeping historical accounts. It provides insight into the everyday struggles and difficult choices faced by Jewish families attempting to evade capture during the Nazi occupation of France.
- Compelling performances from the young actors playing Joseph and Maurice, capturing the innocence and resilience of children facing extraordinary circumstances.
- A gripping and suspenseful narrative based on a true story, showcasing the bravery and resourcefulness needed to survive the Holocaust.
- Exploration of themes of family loyalty, brotherhood, and the will to live in the face of unimaginable adversity.
- Beautiful cinematography that effectively portrays both the idyllic pre-war world and the harsh realities of occupied France.
Fun Facts
- The real Joseph Joffo had a cameo appearance in the film.
- The movie was filmed in multiple locations across France, showcasing the diverse landscapes traversed by the Joffo brothers.