Spring of Life

Running time: N/A

Milan Cieslar's Spring of Life tells the story of World War II from a unique perspective, splendidly crafting a tale where, even in the heart of darkness, there is always a light. Of all the depictions of Nazi Germany, perhaps no story is as unknown as the SS operation called Lebensborn. Aggressively selected for their Aryan features, young women were forced from their homes and trained by Nazis for a breeding program to help produce a "master race." Monika Hilmerova plays Gretchen, a strong and vibrant heroine, who is taken away when she is only 16 to be among the members of the breeding camp. However, upon discovering the specifics of her war involvement, she is one of the few to resist. Her struggle and the complacency of the other girls are forces in constant instability. Set against a bleak and beautiful landscape, the cinematography evokes both Leni Reinfenstahl as well as Fantasia, and the story takes you through peaks of hope and innocence. Director Milan Cieslar superbly depicts the emotional content of the moment as he consciously takes care in presenting the repugnant disregard for each girl. For anyone who was touched by Schindler's List, Cieslar's Spring of Life offers new degrees of heartache and insight in the mosaic of war. --Noemi Margaret