Return to the Hiding Place

I looked forward to viewing this movie with its theme, including Nazi Germany, and hoped it would awaken people to the world around them today. This movie fell deeply short in many areas. It uses the title of the book, "Return to the Hiding Place" by Hans Poley, and yet that is where the similarity between the book and movie ends. Read the book for yourself. Stass Klassen as the sinister German Colonel and John Rhys Davis in the all too small role of Eusi, were a welcome presence and offset to the weak and one dimensional portrayal by many of the other actors. It was apparent which actors were theatrically trained versus movie actors and which were there as "scenery" and lacked experience and training. This was basically a family backyard production. Looks to be a directorial debut with scant seasoned movie production professionals involved. The screenplay had some good points. The editing was a hack job. The story lines were disjointed, it was difficult to follow the characters and which storyline they pertained to and many scenes were far-fetched. It's apparent the directors and production didn't know what they were doing. I've seen too many "low budget" quality indie films and yet their quality was far superior to this movie. It doesn't compare to "The Hiding Place" made in 1975 either. Those who gave this film a 10 rating, were obviously involved with the making of the film, know people who made it or were in it. As such, they chose to be "overenthusiastic" and obviously, grossly exaggerated its quality. Passion of the Christ, Schindler's List & Forrest Gump deserve a high rating. This film does not. When a movie is good, be honest and say so. When it is not of decent quality, be truthful and say so! I saw this movie in one of the few places they actually previewed it. The ever changing release date, including postponing again until February 2015, and the many free previews they've done, lends more to the case that it is not a quality film worth your very valuable money and very valuable time. Perhaps someone else will create a movie which will give those who lived courageously and stood up for the cause of humanity, the quality production their story deserves. I pray so as theirs is a story worth telling rightly.

I had the privilege of seeing this powerful film at a special showing in Sydney, Australia. It is a skillful portrayal of more of the heroism from the Corrie Ten Boom account. The story is gripping, underscoring the evil of the Nazi occupation while addressing the moral dilemmas faced by some of the Dutch people as they sought to protect their families. The portrayal of Corrie Ten Boom was especially touching, as was the love story between the two major actors. In short, this is an unforgettable piece of storytelling that is a major contribution and inspiration, a memorial to and celebration of the kind of true heroism so needed in our world today.

Return to the Hiding Place is a gripping account of the life of Hans Poley, one of the people who found refuge at the home of Corrie ten Boom who provided safe haven for Jews threatened by Hitler's campaign. Poley was among a group of young Dutch heroes known as Corrie's Teenage Army -- and one of only two to survive the war. Poley's journal provided the impetus and details for writer/producer Peter Spencer's moving chronicle of the era. As a story, Spencer's superb film has it all -- danger, intrigue, a love story, explosions, heroes, sacrifice, and above all, a testament to the value of every life. As history, Spencer gives viewers an intimate look into the times and into the hardships of a handful of real people who lived the story. It's a remarkable cinematic accomplishment.

I was fortunate enough to have seen this excellent film recently at the San Antonio Film Festival where it overwhelmingly took "Best Feature Film" and "Audience Choice Award". The cinematography and acting were the best I have seen in this type of genre. "Return to the Hiding Place" is a truly uplifting, historical film depicting young people who put themselves in harm's way to help others. I enjoyed the dramatic story line, the sprinkles of humor, but most of all the constant refreshing theme of hope. I understand that scenes in this film were actually shot in The Netherlands at the Corrie ten Boom Museum which contributed to the film's authenticity. I highly recommend this film.

Rarely are my emotions left so raw. This film left me hoping that the current generation of teenagers and young adults is as committed and dedicated as those in the movie. Their story of bravery and self-sacrifice was so well told, as was the evil of Hitler's regime. As one who began reading about the Nazi atrocities and heroism of the Dutch underground over 40 years ago, I saw and recognized what I already knew to be true. This film was well researched and the events were accurately depicted. I was left inspired both politically and spiritually. I know many critics will have a bias against films that have an overtly Christian message and will allow that to influence their reviews of this film. That is unfortunate for the quality of this film in terms of cinematography, acting, writing and editing is on par with anything coming out of Hollywood. I was so wishing that I owned a copy so I could watch it again. This will be one of my favorite re-watch movies.

I had the privilege of seeing the Return to the Hiding Place and I believe this to be an outstanding film that should be seen by all. The film accurately shows what can happen when young people set their minds to meet and get involved in the challenge of rescuing innocent people who desperately needed help in a terrible time of war. With as much evidence that has been available to society about the horrors of the second world war, there are those who simply choose to ignore the evidence that has been available for some time now or, are just not informed by the right sources. I do hope that those individuals will come to realize that this really did happen and not just some story someone decided to write about in an effort to shock the viewer. Unfortunately, there are still horrors being subjected to many helpless individuals around the world even as you read this. What a wonderful world it would be if mankind would only practice the simple laws laid down by our Creator. It must start with LOVE for one another and OBEDIENCE to our MASTER in Heaven. To say thank to the film makers for bringing us this wonderful piece of work to us somehow seems inadequate but, it does come from my humble heart. Thank You And God Bless!

I have not sat through such a riveting drama in a very long time. The movie held my interest throughout the entire viewing. The stories within this story were also very well balanced and heartfelt. Knowing this was based on a true story was captivating. It was very inspirational and the characters were wonderful in their parts. I loved this movie and have and will continue to recommend it be seen when it is released to theaters, which can not be soon enough!! It is a wonderful story of Christ's intervention in very tough times and how all can persevere. A wonderful job of directing and editing, too. Truly a God-made film! Thank you for telling this story!!

Return to the Hiding Place is worthy of your investment of time and money if you value excellent cinematography, a true story line, impeccable attention to detail and outstanding acting. Dr. Peter Spencer and crew were thorough in their research as they prepared to bring this story to the big screen. A man of integrity and great faith, Dr. Spencer created a riveting reminder of what Hitler and the Nazi regime accomplished in a very short period of time: the annihilation of millions of Jews,Gypsies, disabled people, the elderly and many other classes of people. This movie inspired me to continue to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to defend the rights of the poor and needy. My criteria for watching movies these days, the investment of my precious time and emotions? A movie must have a socially redeeming message and inspire me to be a better to person. Return to the Hiding Place met my criteria. I will purchase several copies when available and share with friends and family.

This is a well thought out film of a very difficult time in history. The story is very well written, and includes a lot of detail not normally see in movies. It was presented from a very personal level. Casting and acting is excellent. Each actors character was very well developed and was very well presented. The German soldier was especially well done and very believable. I especially enjoyed the cinematography, being a photographer myself, I could appreciate the challenges that were met in the filming of the movie. A few of the scenes that could have been very grotesque were very well done in the fact that they presented what happened without the very gory details, the lamp shade is an excellent example of this. An excellent film for anyone that has an interest in the details of the Nazi / Jewish conflict in Holland and Cory Tim Boom's youth core should see this film