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      Varian's War

      TV-PG Released Apr 22, 2001 2h 1m Drama List
      Reviews 47% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score New York editor Varian Fry (William Hurt) builds an underground network to save European artists from Nazi persecution during World War II. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      Steve D The film comes off kind of heartless despite a worthy topic. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Not terribly exciting by Nazi movie standards maybe, but rich, and nicely done production-wise ... watching & imagining going on such a mission in a fascist right-wing era when not only Nazi nut jobs were on-the-loose but also Vichy scum (so described in Spielberg's "Munich"). And nearly anything in which Julia Ormand is appearing ... well, that'd be worth watching. Very true here. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member An American intellectual arranges the escape of European intellectuals from unoccupied France during the beginning of WWII. Once again, William Hurt turns in a fantastic performance. As Varian, he must alternatively play the inspirational soldier, the gay fop, and the determined crusader, and he does it all with the characteristic Hurt charm and distinctive mannerisms. And next time you see a Hurt film be sure to notice his unwavering gaze, signifying he is constantly in the moment and present in the scene. The film itself leaves something to be desired. Varian's mission, to rescue only intellectuals and artists, is definitionally elitist, and I wish there was more attention or recognition of this fact in the film's action. All we get are brief scenes of Varian and his cohorts lamenting that they can't take all who need to flee, but there is no substantive challenge of his character. Also, director Lionel Chetwynd's Nazi Germany is not nearly as dangerous or brutal as other depictions. Perhaps Chetwynd expects us to bring to the film pre-conceived notions of Nazi Germany and feels no necessity to show the horrors. But what comes across instead is a slight menace, devoid of the real danger facing these people. And as the characters escape, they do so through the pastoral of scenes. Such a depiction doesn't reflect what reality must have been like and certainly doesn't equate to compelling drama. Overall, see this film to see why William Hurt is such a strong actor, all the while attempting to ignore the structural and thematic issues. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member well umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch...its got a good cast of actors/actressess thorughout this movie...i think that both william hurt n julia ormond play good parts throughout this movie...i also think that lynn redgrave n alan arkin play good parts throughout this movie...sure its a made for tv movie but its pretty good 2 watch...i think that the director of this tv drama movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie its a powerful movie n its really enjoyable thorughout this movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Just because I'm interested in WWII dramas. This one was too slow and with a lack of nerve... Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member Not a bad movie. Apparently based on a true story. The begin looks reasonably realistic enough. Somehow I found the last part to be less realistic. Still, a nice watch. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Varian's War

      (L-R) Matt Craven (Beamish), William Hurt (Varian Fry) and Julia Ormond (Miriam Davenport) star in Lionel Chetwynd's Varian's War, an Odeon films release. Writer/Director Lionel Chetwynd on the set of Varian's War, and Odeon Films release. William Hurt (Varian Fry) and Julia Ormond (Miriam Davenport) star in Lionel Chetwynd's Varian's War, an Odeon films release. William Hurt (Varian Fry) stars in Lionel Chetwynd's Varian's War, an Odeon films release. View more photos

      Critics Reviews

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      Steven Oxman Variety What they've come up with is a quality offering that turns an unheralded figure into a cinematic hero, a good -- but could have been great -- story about an American intellectual who in unlikely fashion helped prominent artists escape Vichy France. Oct 19, 2018 Full Review Globe and Mail Rated: 2.5/4 Apr 26, 2003 Full Review Janet Branagan Apollo Guide Rated: 70/100 Apr 26, 2003 Full Review Susan Granger rec.arts.movies.reviews Rated: 8/10 Apr 26, 2003 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis New York editor Varian Fry (William Hurt) builds an underground network to save European artists from Nazi persecution during World War II.
      Director
      Lionel Chetwynd
      Producer
      Cis Corman, Barbra Streisand, Edward Wessex
      Screenwriter
      Lionel Chetwynd
      Distributor
      Odeon Films
      Production Co
      Gryphon Films, Ardent Productions, Barwood Films, Ardglasson Productions, NewShowtime
      Rating
      TV-PG (V|D)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Apr 22, 2001, Wide
      Release Date (DVD)
      Jun 18, 2002
      Runtime
      2h 1m