Family Films Exploring the Third Reich

Description: While intense, this film can be approached by older teens to understand the heroism of Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1,000 Jewish refugees by employing them in his factories.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel, and Steven Spielberg donated his salary to the Shoah Foundation.

Description: This Italian film uses humor and love to tell the story of a father who uses his imagination to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. It's a unique approach to teaching about the Holocaust.

Fact: Roberto Benigni, who directed and starred in the film, won the Academy Award for Best Actor, one of the few non-English speaking actors to do so.

Description: Although not strictly family-friendly, this film's portrayal of survival and the human spirit during the Holocaust can be educational for mature teens. It follows Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, as he survives the Warsaw Ghetto.

Fact: Roman Polanski, who directed the film, survived the Holocaust himself, adding a personal touch to the story.

Description: This German film focuses on the last days of Sophie Scholl, a member of the White Rose resistance group, who was executed for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets. It's a powerful story of courage and resistance suitable for older children and teens.

Fact: The film won the German Film Award for Best Film and Best Actress for Julia Jentsch, who played Sophie Scholl.

Description: Set during World War II, this film follows Liesel Meminger, who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including a Jewish refugee hiding in her basement. It's a story of hope, love, and the power of words.

Fact: The film was adapted from Markus Zusak's best-selling novel, and the character of Death narrates the story.

Description: This film tells the story of Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, who befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. It's a poignant narrative that explores innocence, friendship, and the horrors of the Holocaust from a child's perspective.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by John Boyne, and it was banned in some countries for its sensitive portrayal of the Holocaust.

Description: This classic film adaptation of Anne Frank's diary provides an intimate look at life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of documenting history.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters.

Description: This TV movie highlights the bravery of Irena Sendler, who saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto by smuggling them out. It's an inspiring story of heroism and compassion.

Fact: Irena Sendler was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and her story was largely unknown until the play "Life in a Jar" brought it to light.

Description: Based on a true story, this film showcases how the owners of the Warsaw Zoo used their facility to shelter Jews during the Holocaust, providing a different perspective on resistance and rescue.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Warsaw, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: This film tells the true story of Operation Bernhard, where prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp were forced to produce counterfeit money. It's a tale of survival and moral dilemmas.

Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.