Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Ida Adoption Movie Review
In 1960’s Poland, a young novice nun, Anna, is preparing to
make her lifetime vows of poverty, chastity and obedience next week. Before she
can join the convent, however, her prioress requires her to seek out her aunt.
Anna finds her aunt, Wanda, and learns much of her own history. Anna’s real
name is Ida Lebenstein. She was born to a Jewish family during World War 2, and
her parents and brother were killed. She was spared by the man who killed them,
believing that, because she was an infant, no one would know she was Jewish. He
brought her to a priest, and left her there. Now, with the help of her aunt,
Ida hunts out her history and works to decide whether she wishes to actually
become a nun.
How Does This Connect
to Adoption?
Ida reminds me of Closure, in some ways. A young woman
travels far in order to uncover her history. Ida also has to decide how to
incorporate her history into her future.
Strong Points
Ida’s prioress understands the importance of personal history.
Before allowing Ida to choose what to do with her future, the prioress requires
her to learn about her past. Ida’s access to her historical information did not
come without great effort, and the information that she received was not easy
to accept, but it does help her develop a fuller picture of her life, history,
identity, and, I believe, her future.
Challenges
Not every exploration into one’s history is painless. Ida
learns that her family was murdered. She sees their grave, and transports their
remains to a family grave. Her aunt commits suicide.
Recommendations
Ida is a very well-made movie. It is Poland’s official entry
into the Best Foreign-Language Film category for the upcoming Academy Awards.
It’s sad and thoughtful. I also felt personally drawn to this film because I am
Polish, and it’s actually through my adoption work that I became interested in
learning more about my Polish heritage. The film has received very solid
critical and popular reviews. I found it a bit slow and sad for my taste, and
also, perhaps, a little confusing. On the other hand, I do appreciate the
invitation to travel with a young adult who fully explores her past before
making commitments for her future. The film isn’t rated, but is probably best
geared towards audiences 15 and up. The film is widely accessible online; check
out its site to see it. http://www.musicboxfilms.com/ida-movies-98.php
Questions for
Discussion
How does your understanding of your family’s past impact
your identity? How does your self-identity
impact the decisions you make for the future?
Here's the trailer:
Here's the trailer:
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