- Mr. Gray, Martin Gray - Yes
- You found them? - Mietek Grajevsky, the kike?
You Jewboys know how to survive, don't you?
Hitler and Stalin never managed to exterminate you,
Even God's own cleansing fire couldn't do it.
You Jews are like weeds.
I know your wife wasn't one of the Chosen People,
but nobody abandons their family. But you, you did, your wife...
your kids, you let them die, alone, in the fire.
And you? You're still alive.
And how do you feel? Can Jews feel ashamed?
Yes.
Yes they can.
Shhh! It's for daddy. Shhhh!
Martin, do you remember you promised us
one day you'd tell us the story of your life
Now you can do it, Mietek.
No more excuses.
You tell it so well. It's for the children, for later,
when they can understand. I'll be there, near you,
in my white chair. Always .
You can't postpone it. You promised.
Yes.
I was born with the war.
At the age of 14.
When the butchers came.
WARSAW, WINTER 1939
I know almost nothing of the years of peace before.
- You! - Sir I'm only 15.
- I'm too young I assure you. - You lie.
According to the regulations work's only compulsory from 16.
You liar!
Jewish pig!
Get in!
Don't worry. I've done this before.
They won't kill us.
It's just to work detail.
Keep a lookout, I'll be right back.
There's a thief here.
Whoever stole the silverware has 2 minutes to confess.
Either him, or 10 of you.
You!
I did it.
Laïdak!
You know Laïdak, I had a friend...
He died for me and I don't even know his name.
Nor had the courage tell his mother.
But I can't worry about it.
He died without a sound. He was stronger than them.
Thanks to him, I'm not afraid anymore.
I've found a strength I didn't have before.
If you want, you can beat them.
If you want, you can die without a whimper.
If you want, you can survive.
They won't catch me again, Laïdak.
I'll be just like you.
A survivor.
AUTUMN 1940
...Zamenofa Street, Zelaska Street, Wielkast Street,
These are the boundaries of the Jewish quarter
All Jews will be inside by November 15th.
This district is not a ghetto.
The Central Government advises this relocation is
for humanitarian reasons and public hygiene ...
to prevent the spread of epidemics
Thirty-nine years,
thirty-nine years. My whole life is here.
And now, everything is destroyed.
- 200 Zlotys. Take it or leave it. - The frames alone are worth more.
Take them to the ghetto then.
They want to set the Poles against us. To make their work easier.
- Where are you from? - From Prague.
We had to leave everything behind.
Soon, we would be 500 000 Jews,
locked behind our walls.
Another city, within the city of Warsaw.
- This is it. - A real palace.
Dasha, we're lucky to have a roof at all.
There are hundreds of people who don't.
Martin, keep an eye out.
- I have to leave you. - No. Where are you going?
- To organize the reception of all these refugees.
So what are we?
I'm sorry, Dasha, but someone has to do it.
It's always you I don't give a damn.
Help your mother settle in. Keep of the streets, the Germans are about.
Stay at home.
- I'll be right back. - I hope so.
Let's get to work!
Holy Mary full of grace ...
"The Lord is with thee, blessed are thou among women,
- Blessed among women, and Jesus... - Martin, what are you doing?
- I learn the catechism. - Why?
Because one day, it might save my Jewish ass.
Mum!
Mum, he said a rude word
Mom, I just said 'Jewish skin'
- Mrs. Grajewski? - Yes
Let me introduce myself, Dr. Ciljimaster, your neighbor.
- I've lived downstairs many years. - Yes, my husband mentioned you.
Sit down please.
My sons; Jeremy, say hello.
- David. - They're beautiful boys.
And Martin.
Where are you going?
- I don't want to be in the way. - Martin!
Won't be long.
Halt
A Jew must always remove his hat, before a German Officer.
On your knees!
Pig!
Move! Get back!
It was really true! A Polish streetcar, forbidden to the Jews
right through the Ghetto.
A Guard, a 'Blue', stopped people
getting on or off during the crossing.
To beat the butchers, I had to do what was forbidden
Get beyond the wall, out of the Ghetto.
Halt
I hope it's not Einsatz coffee...
My dear, they serve the best coffee in Warsaw
How much?
I'll buy.
Two loaves of bread?
Fifty Zlotys. Okay?
They're one kilo loaves.
Here's my address. I'll buy everyday.
Thank you.
God bless you.
- Sorry I'm late. - I told you to stay home.
But dad, I've been out of the ghetto and back.
- Golgolewsky's bakery - Get inside!
I went on the streetcar. It was unbelievably easy.
- Look what I got for two loaves. - You idiot! What if the Germans ...
had got you? - They never will.
- Now I know how to do it. - Don't go there, Martin.
I have to. I found a way to help others. Like you.
I can bring in food. The more I sell, the more I can buy.
I can help people survive.
He has a point.
Good evening, Doctor.
Yes, goodnight.
Good work, Martin.
Come on!
You know what they'll do, if they catch you?
You take risks! We all have to fight. You said that!
Not so loud. I don't want your mother knowing.
All right, Martin.
I guess I'm proud of you.
At last! Where were you? What's that?
Are they cakes?
So can you explain now?
Day after day, I did it again. Smuggling became a habit.
My neighbor, Havel helped me. He delivered the stuff
I brought it in. We were buying time.
I bribed the 'Blues'.
I had my suppliers in all the streets of Warsaw Ariana.
Hello Jew.
What are you doing away from your sty?
What a chubby pig. He's not starving, is he.
Search him.
How long have you been smuggling?
Don't forget the shoes.
Carry on, Jewboy.
We'll see you soon.
I played with or against the 'Blues', the police, or the Germans,
I almost forgot the misery of the Ghetto.
Remember me?
- Who's he? - A Jewish pigeon.
- About to be plucked... - Again.
My name is Martin.
Allow me.
Today, I have nothing. Not even good shoes.
A chair for our guest.
Hell, we work him over and he brings us drink!
Who are you?
Stefan! Stefan Jowak.
I'm called Admiral.
He's Zamek, the wise. He boxes. And Cuteck, our fake Nazi.
I speak Yiddish and I hate all Germans.
I'm Mokotow.
He doesn't talk much.
Marie is my sister.
Have you come to bring some more loot?
I came to talk business.
Not with a Jew!
Money's money. Jews and money go together.
Tell that to the beggars in the Ghetto.
Food is like gold. I know who to bribe and who will buy.
The market is too big for me alone. But if we are five ...
It's dangerous to associate with Jews.
What do you care? Your Swastika protects you.
If there's trouble, I can pass for Polish.
Listen, "Hail Mary, full of grace"
If the Blues don't swallow it, you walk off and 'screw the Jew'.
What do you think? Should we trust him?
And him?
He can he trust you?
Oh! Yadia...
You're new...
Yadia, you're beautiful!
What an ass!
So it began. One trip, two trips, soon it was routine.
But a dangerous life.
Cutek and his Nazi armband,
amused the Germans who strolled round the Ghetto
like tourists visiting the Zoo
We made 10 runs a day up to a tonne of food,
who could belive it.
Pity the children. Alms for my children.
Mercy! Pity!
Thank you, thank you, God bless you.
The Ghetto survived because smugglers were everywhere.
SPRING 1941
with them came corruption
Halt!
Don't move! Take the bag and get off!
The bag.
What's going on here?
Hurry up!
Everything in the truck!
Stop!
Come on, Jew.
Go on!
Down
My knee! Aaaah!
Are you okay, Mietek?
Halt
Stop
Don't worry.
I'll find the others. We have scores to settle.
The Blues knew we were coming. I know who set us up.
Stefan never liked you very much.
We'll take you to the Ghetto tonight.
Thanks, Lydia.
Do you feel like a hero?
Sorry Dad, I had some trouble, but it's OK now.
I hear about your troubles.
Thank God your mother doesn't know you were with those crooks.
- Smugglers just like me. - You? You're a child, Mietek.
You did your best. I know. But your luck's run out.
The Blues will be watching.
So Martin, swear you'll never leave the Ghetto again.
I can't.
Then I'll save you from yourself.
You won't leave this room until I have your word.
In the Ghetto, an elite group of dealers,
spies and smugglers would meet at the Cafe Sztuka.
- Abraham, the chef, at your service. - Cut it out. What did you get?
Fresh herring from the Baltic, and cream...
- What do you need? - Flour.
- A bag. Okay? - Done.
It's my father!
See you later.
At least I can tell your mother you're alive... and well
- How is she? - She misses you.
And she blames me.
I miss her too.
Mietek, you shouldn't come here again.
I heard the Germans are preparing a raid soon.
Thanks for the tip.
Come home.
You'll be free to lead your own life.
We need you, Martin.
We miss you.
And the next time you cross the wall, can you deliver a letter for me?
Dad, you've come to the right man.
JEW = Lice and typhus.
I'm looking for Professor Hulewitz
He's out.
I'm his niece.
You can wait if it's important.
Well, won't you come in?
Yes.
You live in a palace!
So you're a princess?
Just Sofia.
I'm just Martin.
- You remind me a clown. - Oh, thank you.
Just before the war, in 1938 a circus came to Warsaw.
- In the Old Town Square. - No, no. The Theatre Square.
I was there. Old Town Square, I'm sure.
I still remember it, Mr. Clown. I know my circus.
With Sofia was as if the War never existed.
As if I was not Jewish.
Please have pity.
Sweets and kisses.
Hey? What's up?
- Is the war over? - Mom, I think I'm in love.
- She's beautiful. - Is she Jewish?
No. She's blonde, Polish and Catholic.
You'll be crazy about her, like me. She's called Sofia.
I promised her you'd make a Cholet
A Cholet?
Yes, yes, I'll get all the ingredients
Whoever she is, she's making you smile.
"Mein Gott!" What is this? Two dead Jews taking up
three places? Move over, gentlemen,
make room for a neighbor.
We're all equal in the Ghetto.
Just ask our landlord Adolf!
- Rubinstein says thanks, Mietek! - Germans!
Attention!
Gentlemen!
This is where Diany Blumenfeld sings.
Lady please have pity.
Please help me.
Have Mercy.
Are you frightened?
Laïdak! Laïdak?
Come on Laïdak!
Laïdak! Where are you stupid cat?
May be he's jealous.
He won't come while I'm here.
Well, if I must choose...
Laïdak, forget it!
My uncle says nothing lasts forever.
- Do you think we will? - Do you want to?
Yes. For ever and ever.
AUTUMN 1941
We're a people without a country
That's why we're persecuted.
How ironic.
Fate.
In the time of the Czars the Russians tried to destroy us.
It was the Germans who protected us.
Today it's the opposite.
- What next? - Tomorrow? Who knows?
Maybe we'll build our Nation in the Promised Land...
and at last be safe.
Maybe!
If there are enough Jews alive.
The Germans have gone mad!
They're killing the best of us. Doctors, scientists, artists ...
It makes no sense.
For centuries, Jews have worked for all mankind.
Why destroy all that?
It makes no sense.
Documents.
They're not Jews!
Poles.
The butchers are furious.
The Underground killed Iwo Gossim. That actor who collaborated.
They took hostages.
Sofia!
No, Martin! No!
Sofia
Sofia!
Stop!
No! Martin!
Halt!
Get back!
Halt!
There's no point, Martin.
- You can't help. - Let me go!
No! You'll get killed for nothing!
We tried everything, Martin.
I'll do it myself then.
It's too late.
They shot Sofia and her uncle today.
Halt!
Halt
Come out Jew.
I'll find you.
Come out, Jew.
You'll need a few stitches. But your retina is torn.
The choroid is damaged too.
It's blocking the pupil.
I've lost the eye?
In future, Martin,
your one good eye will be your most valuable asset.
You must take care of it.
Please be careful
You must look after yourself.
You and our young people, are the only life we have left.
The streetcar stopped running.
It was death to caught outside the ghetto
Have pity. A few coins to bury my niece.
Those not shot in the streets, or starved, died of typhus.
Mercy for the dead, I can't bury. Have mercy.
Alms.
Halt! What have you got?
Prohibited
Stop!
It's forbidden
SUMMER 1942
all Jews living in Warsaw, will be resettled in the East.
You have nothing to fear. The decision was taken by Central Government,
to assure you a better life, and better working conditions.
The Jewish Council and police, will assemble 6,000 people daily.
- the Central Square, - What's this?
will be the place of assembly.
Each family is allowed 15 kilos of luggage. Bring your money,
and valuables with you. With effect from today,
Jews documents and health will be inspected by the authorities.
- Don't let us ... - Don't push!
Where are we going? What is it for?
- They arrested my son. - My wife needs her job.
Save him. I beg you!
- Let me pass. - Do something, sir.
- I beg you, save my child! - Help me! Help me!
I want to work.
I want to work! I want to work.
Have pity sir!
It's a fake exemption card.
You are supposed to be working in one of Schultz's factories.
And them?
These exemptions won't last long.
The Extermination units are already here in Warsaw.
Remember one thing, Martin. The Germans are efficient.
They have a plan, but ... But what?
All these trains to the east?
- The East maybe the death of us. - Why don't we fight?
With what, huh?
To get weapons, we need help from the Polish Underground.
Their leaders don't like the Jews.
Come out here. Come on!
Yes, I'm coming!
I'd better go.
Aren't you coming home?
I'd like to, but the President of the Jewish Council just shot himself.
The Organization is falling apart.
Take care of yourself.
- There, There, there. - Block the street, fast!
Go!
- Get up! - Get up! Take your things.
- Take your things! - Fast!
Don't forget your money.
- Fast! - Hurry up! Out!
Get going!
Out! Out! Away
The privilege of looting houses as they searched for Jews
belonged to the Ukrainians of the Waffen SS
Out, out ...
To the street.
- Why don't we stay here? - Come on.
I want to go out.
I thought you liked playing hide and seek?
- I want to go away. - Me too.
Let's play hide and seek. You must hide to win.
- Don't you want to win? - Yes
Why don't you play with us?
I'm too big.
- Martin! - Shhh! This won't last.
- We will get away. Now our priority is to survive.
You sound like your father.
Back quickly.
Be as quiet as possible. I'll be back tonight.
- Where are you going? - Shhhht!
Get back! Make way for the children.
Thank you God for taking them
At least they'll suffer no more.
You can stay, Dr. Korczak.
If there's a Jew who deserves to survive, it's you.
I'll go with the children.
- You know their destination? - Yes, that's why they need me.
Women and children to the right.
Move it.
Hurry up! Hurry up!
You can't stay here, Mietek!
Don't worry, Szemerling I've got working papers.
I have to do my job. It's them or us.
Faster
Fast! Quick! Fast
Stop! To the left!
To the right! Right!
Left
Hey!
Forwards!
- Dad! What happened? - They arrested me on the street. And you?
Your mother and brothers? Are they here?
You must get out of here.
Right! Right! You left!
- No, no. No! - Let me, my husband...
Forward! Go!
Leave it!
They're selecting workers. Copy me. Dad, I know.
- Just keep walking... - Go back home, Martin.
You have a chance alone. Not with me.
I know what to do.
Forwards.
To the left!
You! You, to the left.
You. Right.
This man is sick.
He's a good worker, Mr. Schultz.
Right!
To the left!
Saved from the train.
- Now. Let's jump. - Not yet. When I say.
Now!
You saved us!
We saved each other.
I survived.
I'd almost forgotten. But my son, he remembered.
Shall we?
I'll never forget. Never.
- What? - It's the best day of my life.
It's Martin.
Mum, what is it?
Dad's OK. I just left him.
You forgot us, Martin.
So has your father.
No.
I can't stand this.
Locked up with the children.
Every noise... and quiet is even worse.
Trapped here behind furniture. Where is everybody?
They're hiding just like us
It'll be better soon. The Underground is organising.
You remember your Bar Mitzvah
What a party we had!
My mother wasn't there.
You've forgotten her now.
You were very small.
She never saw your brothers.
She was waiting for all of us...
for the holidays ...
in America.
Mum, stop it.
I beg you, stop thinking about the past.
We'll go to America. I promise.