Parents' Guide to The Long Way Home

Movie NR 1997 120 minutes
The Long Way Home film poster: Black-and-white photograph of young Jewish men in a concentration camp looking solemn but determined

Common Sense Media Review

Stefan Pape By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Powerful Holocaust aftermath docu has disturbing footage.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

In THE LONG WAY HOME, Morgan Freeman narrates as Holocaust survivors share first-hand accounts of life after liberation. The documentary reveals how liberation from concentration camps led not to freedom but to years in "Displaced Persons" camps and how Jewish refugees faced continued hardship and antisemitism while searching for a homeland, ultimately leading to the establishment of Israel.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This important and Oscar-winning documentary highlights a critical but often overlooked historical period. The Long Way Home examines the aftermath of the Holocaust from the Jewish perspective, an angle rarely explored in depth despite numerous films chronicling the Holocaust itself. The film recounts the continuing hardships Jewish people faced even after liberation, providing valuable education about this transitional period in history. The documentary excels in fostering empathy, primarily focusing on the universal human needs for compassion and safety. Viewers will likely draw parallels between the post-World War II refugee crisis and similar humanitarian situations today, creating a sobering reminder of how history often repeats itself. Freeman's narration brings both gravitas and sensitivity to the subject matter, guiding viewers through difficult content with an appropriately measured tone. The first-hand accounts from survivors prove especially powerful, giving voice to those who lived through this challenging chapter of history.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the Jewish experience was depicted in The Long Way Home. What challenges did Jewish people face after World War II? Do you think things have changed today? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, war, and tragedy.

  • How did Jewish survivors find the strength to rebuild their lives after experiencing such trauma? What can we learn from their perseverance?

  • Can you draw parallels from the refugee experience in the film to other refugee crises? How does learning about history help us understand similar situations happening in the world today?

Movie Details

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The Long Way Home film poster: Black-and-white photograph of young Jewish men in a concentration camp looking solemn but determined

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