The Last Days

The Last Days is a documentary film that delves into the lives of five Hungarian Holocaust survivors, exploring their experiences before, during, and after the Nazi occupation of their country. Directed by James Moll, the film takes an in-depth look at the lives of these individuals, shedding light on the atrocities committed during World War II and the lasting impact on those who survived. The first individual profiled in the film is Miklos Nyiszli, a Hungarian Jew who was a prisoner at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Nyiszli was a doctor who was forced to work alongside Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor who performed inhumane experiments on prisoners. Nyiszli's experiences at Auschwitz are harrowing and disturbing, as he recounts being forced to assist in autopsies and witnessing the tragic fate of countless prisoners. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of preserving the stories of those who survived. Next, the film introduces Elie Wiesel, an historian and author who was a prisoner at Buchenwald concentration camp. Wiesel's story is one of loss and resilience, as he recounts his experiences during the war and the profound impact it had on his life. Wiesel's father died in the concentration camp, and he was eventually liberated by American forces. However, the trauma he experienced during the war had a lasting impact on his life, shaping his writing and influencing his advocacy for human rights. The film also features the story of a Sonderkommando, a group of prisoners who were forced to work at Auschwitz-Birkenau, tasked with burning the bodies of their fellow prisoners. The Sonderkommando's story is one of unimaginable horror, as they were forced to witness the atrocities committed by the Nazis and participate in the dehumanizing process of burning the bodies. Their testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the memories of those who survived the Holocaust. In addition to these individual stories, the film also profiles the experiences of two US soldiers who were part of the liberation of Auschwitz in April 1945. These men, including Fred Baumgartner, provide a unique perspective on the aftermath of the Holocaust, recounting their experiences as American soldiers who encountered the surviving prisoners and witnesses to the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Finally, the film profiles the story of Imre Salgo, a Hungarian Jew who was a prisoner at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Salgo's story is one of hope and resilience, as he recounts his experiences during the war and the importance of preserving the memories of those who survived. Salgo's father was a doctor who was imprisoned at Auschwitz, and he later died in the camp. Salgo's own experiences in the camp were nearly fatal, but he was eventually liberated by Soviet forces. Throughout the film, Moll uses a unique storytelling approach, taking the viewers on a journey through the lives of these five individuals. The film begins with a series of interviews with the survivors, who recount their experiences in a matter-of-fact manner. As the story unfolds, the film takes a different approach, using re-enactments and archival footage to paint a vivid picture of life in the concentration camps. The film also incorporates footage of the survivors visiting their childhood homes, which serves as a poignant reminder of the destruction and devastation that occurred during the Holocaust. Ultimately, The Last Days is a powerful and poignant documentary that serves as a testament to the humanity of those who survived the Holocaust. The film sheds light on the atrocities committed during World War II and the lasting impact on those who survived. As the survivors recount their experiences, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the memories of those who lived through this period and the importance of advocating for human rights. The Last Days is a film that should not be missed. It is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of preserving the memories of those who survived. The film serves as a poignant tribute to the survivors and a powerful call to action, advocating for human rights and ensuring that such atrocities never occur again.