Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Upsetting scenes in true WWII tale of Jewish boy's survival.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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Where to Watch
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Europa Europa
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
EUROPA EUROPA takes place in Nazi Germany at the start of the World War II, where the young Sally (Marco Hofschneider) is separated from his family. In a desperate bid to survive, he poses as a German orphan, and through a series of precarious situations, he slowly rises up through the ranks, becoming a part of the Hitler Youth, all the while concealing his true Jewish identity.
Is It Any Good?
So astonishing is this WWII drama, it is hard to believe it's actually based on real events. Directed by the talented Polish auteur Agnieszka Holland, Europa Europa comes with an in-built level of complexity and intensity—the constant threat of Sally's true identity being revealed doesn't allow the audience to ever relax into the narrative. Sally's position is almost unimaginable, as he's surrounded by people that would murder him should they find out that he is in fact Jewish. Sally's young age makes it all the more powerful, as he tries to comprehend the true horror and barbarity of what is happening around him. Despite the realism of the picture, Holland shows creative flair, taking risks in her storytelling, such as the dream sequence where Hitler and Stalin are seen dancing. Despite how it may sound, it's to Holland's credit that he scene works. Europa Europa's story almost seems too far-fetched, but is once again proof that sometimes life truly is stranger than fiction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sally must have felt in Europa Europa. What feelings do you think he must have felt having to hide his identity? How did he show courage? What other character strengths did he need in order to deal with the situation?
There are some incredibly distressing images in the film. Do you think it's important to show the true horrors of war? Why/why not? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, and war.
The movie is based on a true story. Knowing this, how did it impact how you responded to the film?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Were the nudity scenes done sensitively? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 28, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : July 9, 2019
- Cast : Marco Hofschneider , Julie Delpy , André Wilms
- Director : Agnieszka Holland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Orion
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature treatment of holocaust issues
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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