Review: A Small Light-- Directed by Susanna Fogel
One of my most recent favorites shows that I encountered was National Geographic's A Small Light. The historical drama series is an adaptation of real events that occurred in the life of Miep Gies- the woman who hid the Frank family and several other Jewish and "undesirables." An immigrant herself from Austria-- Miep risked everything...her career, her marriage, and her life...to hide her boss and his family away from the Nazis. The historical drama does not shy away from painting the reality of the war that was consuming Amsterdam and the rest of Europe. It also does a tremendous job at telling this story through the eyes of a woman who acted as an accomplice.
While the story of Anne Frank is renown across the United States and the West, it is one that takes place in isolation. A Small Light serves as a gateway to the outside world beyond the Annex. The period drama is directed by Susanna Fogel and shows how Miep Gies goes from a simple secretary to an accomplice in what was the greatest crime in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam-- to hide away "Undesirables"-- including Jewish people. This piece was phenomenal. The cast were not only well chosen...but the dialogue and the moments of suspense, drama, and humor were necessary.
What I especially loved about this story were the moments between Miep Gies and her husband, Jan. The two of them unintentionally became conspirators in a world that was not only bent on eliminating those they despised but also those who dissented. Every episode is an opportunity to look back and reflect not only on their bravery, but also intelligence and their humanity. These two individuals knew that they were putting themselves in great danger for people that they knew. It was also Miep's interaction with Otto and the Franks that really kept me spell-bound. From the beginning, we see that it was Otto Frank who gave Miep Gies an opportunity whereas many Dutch employers overlooked her. It was he and his family who embraced Miep as if she were one of their own. It was incredible to see the touching moments. The period drama also cuts to scenes from Miep's past, allowing us to see her development as a person over time and the trials she endured even before.
The series is great regardless of which language you watch it in. However, I honestly preferred its Dutch translation. It gives you a sense of awe when you realize that several of the characters-- Miep and Otto specifically-- were fluent in several different languages such as Dutch, German, English, among others. Between Miep, Otto, and Jan...the three of them often switch seamlessly between the different languages. When you realize that these people were code-switching frequently and were still organizing efforts to save lives...it's incredible.
While the period drama does add some characters and situations for dramatic purposes, the integrity of Miep and Jan's story is still maintained. If you know what happened to Anne Frank and those who hid in the Annex, you know how this story ends. It is a journey worth watching though. I found myself looking at the story of Miep and the Annex in a broader context. The level of evil that they were faced with is incredibly astonishing. The will-power to endure is admirable and also telling. It makes one wonder about the sacrifices that were made by generations before us.
There were several lines that I enjoyed that made the show. Some of them were witty, while others were somber. This piece has dialogue and scenes that follow you and which continue on even after you turn the show off. I carry the performance and I know that I would recommend it. You can find the show on Disney+.
Check out the trailer for the series here.
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