A Call to Remember (1997)

Paula Tobias, a Holocaust survivor who has suffered the ultimate personal tragedy of losing her spouse and children during the Nazi occupation of World War II. Now re-married and living in America during the late 1960's with husband David, they build a new life together with sons Ben and Jake. One evening, Paula receives a phone call which assures her that her son, Alec, is actually alive and in New York. This brings up painful memories from the past for everyone involved, including Ben and Jake, who force their father to talk about the Holocaust. Paula rushes to New York only to find that it was a mistake - Alec was never found. She falls into a dramatic depression, as the family confronts their fears and tries to stay together.

Overview
"A Call to Remember", released in 1997, is an American tv film directed by Jack Bender and composed by Michael Bortman. It stars Blythe Danner and Joe Mantegna, who play the functions of Holocaust survivors Paula and David Tobias. The drama explores styles such as identity, the Holocaust, family, love, and injury, as it depicts the challenges faced by the couple as they attempt to come to terms with their previous experiences and develop a future together. The movie is based on an adapted true story that serves as a pointer of the significance of survival, hope, and the power of love in the face of evil.

Plot
The film begins with the couple Paula and David, who are now reputable in America, living a comfortable life with their 2 children, Dan and Terri, after surviving the horrors of the Holocaust. As David opens his brand-new store, which he has actually called "Tobias Men's Wear", he wishes to provide an excellent life for his household and leave his Holocaust experiences behind. However, despite the household's apparent happiness and close connection, the memories of the Holocaust still haunt the couple, who are having a hard time to come to terms with their terrible past.

As Holocaust survivors, both Paula and David saw the atrocities devoted by the Nazis, losing their families and friends along the way. The story unfolds as Paula thinks twice to share painful memories of her experience to her kids, however is ultimately encouraged by her pals at the synagogue to participate in a Holocaust survivors' company called "We Remember". This organization intends to inform future generations about the Holocaust to ensure that history does not repeat itself. David, on the remaining hand, tries to focus on today and stay associated with his profession, refusing to become associated with the company or acknowledge his past.

The couple's child, Dan, is initially resistant to the concept of his moms and dads revealing their uncomfortable wartime history. He feels that focusing on the Holocaust's atrocities will affect his family's live in today. However, as time passes, he stumbles upon a Holocaust denier's radio show and understands the value of his family's story and the requirement for it to be remembered.

As the story advances, the couple sees Auschwitz, the former death camp, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. While at the death camp, the couple reflects on their experiences throughout World War II and recollects the courage and strength they had actually exhibited throughout those hard times. The couple slowly finds out to accept their past, conquering both the psychological and interpersonal challenges they face in the process.

Reception
"A Call to Remember" has been applauded for its thoughtful method to the Holocaust and its influence on the survivors and their family. Blythe Danner and Joe Mantegna deliver strong performances that portray the psychological battle of coping with their harrowing past, keeping their marital relationship, and raising a family. The film captures the significance of addressing trauma and promoting understanding among future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.

However, some critics argue that the television format limits the film's depth and emotional impact, avoiding it from reaching its full capacity as a Holocaust drama. In spite of this, the movie remains an essential portrayal of love, hope, and survival amidst the darkest of times.

Conclusion
"A Call to Remember" is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that showcases the impact of the Holocaust on the lives of its survivors and their household. By addressing styles of identity, injury, and family dynamics, the film acknowledges the value of resilience and hope in the face of difficulty. Although the film may not be without its limitations, its message about the requirement to face the past to move on stays as pertinent today as it was throughout its release in 1997.

Top Cast

  • Joe Mantegna (small)
    Joe Mantegna
    David Tobias
  • David Lascher (small)
    David Lascher
    Jake Tobias
  • Kevin Zegers (small)
    Kevin Zegers
    Ben Tobias
  • Blythe Danner (small)
    Blythe Danner
    Paula Tobias
  • Joe Spano (small)
    Joe Spano
    Dr. Green
  • Rita Zohar (small)
    Rita Zohar
    Renya Weiss
  • Blu Mankuma (small)
    Blu Mankuma
    Hank McTier
  • Ingrid Kavelaars (small)
    Ingrid Kavelaars
    Amy Miller
  • Kevin McNulty (small)
    Kevin McNulty
    Michael Bratton
  • Christian Tessier (small)
    Christian Tessier
    Mike Banks
  • Ben Eberhard
    Ross Glazer