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Parents' Guide to

Return to the Hiding Place

By Amanda Nojadera, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Uneven faith-based drama has lots of war/Holocaust violence.

Movie PG-13 2014 102 minutes
Return to the Hiding Place Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

dnog
dnog Adult
July 7, 2022
age 14+
This movie has an additional language issue not included in the ratings ... there's an instance of blasphemy (taking the Lord's name in vain).
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

When young physics student Hans Poley (David Thomas Jenkins) refuses to join the Nazi party, his parents force him into hiding at Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom's (Mimi Sagadin) home, making him the first fugitive to stay in the Hiding Place. After witnessing the suffering of the Jews -- and motivated by his faith to get involved -- Hans joins resistance fighter Piet Hartog (Craig Robert Young); Corrie's niece, Aty van Woerden (Rachel Spencer Hewitt); and other untrained teens who embark on dangerous missions to help the Jews escape and lead them to safety.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Viewers may find it difficult to determine whether Hans' faith-driven mission or Piet and Aty's heart-wrenching romance is the movie's main focus. Which is surprising, as the directors worked closely with the real-life Hans Poley to tell the stories of the unsung teenage heroes of the Dutch Resistance. Compared to the many suspenseful, dangerous rescue missions, the picturesque scenes of Piet and Aty surrounded by Dutch tulips feel out of place. To move from fast-paced action to blissful romance to disturbing Holocaust violence without smooth transitions is a jarring experience.

Still, the thought-provoking discussions that Hans has with Eusi (John Rhys-Davies) -- a Jew hiding at Corrie's -- about the power of faith (as well as the motivational speech about perseverance that Hans gives to the teens who doubt they're making any significant impact) highlight his selflessness and bravery. Viewers may feel inspired to get involved in current social issues. As Hans points out, "If not us, then who?"

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why movies about World War II and the Holocaust are still compelling. What connection do stories about these events have with today's world?

  • How does Return to the Hiding Place depict the violence of the Holocaust? What would make people behave that way? How is that period of history typically portrayed in the media? How does this type of violence compare to what you might see in an action or horror movie? Which has more impact? Why?

Movie Details

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