Institute History
Description
Set in a small Czech town in 1943, Divided We Fall revolves around a childless couple, Josef and Marie Cízek, who are somewhat apathetic toward the German occupation until Josef finds his former Jewish neighbor David hiding in his old apartment, having just escaped from Theresiendstadt concentration camp. Josef realizes he must harbor David and, with Marie's help, creates a hideout for him in their attic. The Cízeks are concerned about their best friend Horst as he is a Nazi collaborator and is lasciviously interested in Marie. When she refuses his advances, he is determined to take revenge by moving a high-ranking Nazi into their home, putting David's and the Cízeks' future in danger. Marie rebuts this forced hospitality by claiming she is pregnant, although Josef has just been diagnosed as sterile. The solution to all their troubles, revealed in the wonderful third act, contains an ironic twist that is alternately comedic, poignant, and life affirming.
Divided We Fall is the latest collaboration from director Jan Hrebejk and screenwriter Petr Jarchovsky. Based on a myriad of true stories, the film intelligently posits heroism as an act endemic to a particular situation and born of simple human decency. The vile indecency of many during this cruel period of history can never be explained, but through character-driven films like this, one is able to get a sense of individuals excelling simply through the will to survive.