Inspired by a true life story based on the novel Waiting for Anya by Michael Morpurgo (also author of the unforgettable War Horse story) is a film produced from stories during WWII. It is a time of darkness, the story heart wrenching, skillfully written and directed where I ended up in tears.
I immediately recognized the main actors Anjelica Huston (widowed Horcade) who has played so many roles too many to list but you will recognize The Addams Family, John Wick, The Witches. Frederick Schmidt from Mission Impossible, The Marker and more, plays the role of Benjamin, her son-in-law.
And I am such a fan of Jean Reno from his many many roles but in particularly Leon The Professional, Ronin, La Femme, to name a few.
Yet it was young actor Noah Schnapp who stole my heart with his dynamic portrayal of Jo a young Jewish shepherd, who witnesses something he pretends he doesn’t. Noah has played Will Byers in the TV series Stranger Things, Bridge of Spies plus more.
The Story
It is the summer of 1942 and the world is at war. France has fallen to Hitler, the country is divided into two Paris and the North are overseen by a German military administration and forced deportations have begun as have the horrors of ravaged Europe.
Jo’s (Noah Schnapp) life in the picturesque French Pyrenees has remained remarkably untouched. That is, until German troops move into town and he also stumbles upon a dangerous secret: Jewish children are being smuggled out of Nazi-occupied France to the safety of Spain by the village outcast, widow Horcada (Anjelica Huston) and her son-in-law, Benjamin (Frederick Schmidt).
Jo finds himself caught in a perilous conspiracy and enlists the help of his grand-père, a veteran of The Great War. Responsible for the escape of a group of Jewish children, his own life on the line, Jo must grow up fast if they are going to survive.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the French Pyrenees and perils of foreign occupation, this tale of a young boy’s triumph against the odds will set your heart racing and reignite your faith in the human spirit.
Cast
Directed by Ben Cookson Producers Phin Glynn, Victor Glynn, Alan Latham
Starring Noah Schnapp, Jean Reno, Thomas Kretschmann,
Frederick Schmidt & Anjelica Huston
WAITING FOR ANYA out in these selected cinemas now:
| QUEENSLAND | New Farm | VICTORIA | Cloud 9 Cinema – Bright | |
| Regal Twin Graceville | Wallis Mildura | |||
| Hoyts Stafford | Wallis Echuca | |||
| NSW | The Ritz – Randwick | |||
| SOUTH AUSTRALIA | Wallis Mitcham | Wallis Mansfield | ||
| Wallis Mount Barker | WESTERN AUSTRALIA | Hoyts Carousel | ||
| Wallis Noarlunga | Hoyts Tea Tree Plaza | |||
| Wallis Capri Theatre | TASMANIA | Star Cinema, Launceston | ||
| Wallis Victor Harbour | ||||
| Wallis Odeon Semaphore | ||||
| Wallis Mt Gambier |
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
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