Note: We were very fortunate to partner with Denise Seegobin, who attended the event on our behalf! Here are her thoughts on the movie :
THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE
I was invited to attend the screening of The Zookeeper’s Wife on March 17th. The film will open in theaters later this month. I was extremely excited to attend this press junket and meet the director and star of the film. It was also very cool to see Sandy Kenyon from ABC News, in the audience!
The film opens up in spectacular fashion, Antonina Zabinski, played eloquently by Jessica Chastain opens up the door to her bedroom and we see the view of elephants below. The movie continues and we see her riding through what we would come to learn is the Zabinski zoo.
From the beginning of the movie I was in a turmoil of emotions, it touched me deeply and brought me back to the idea of what choices I would make in my own life. I knew that this movie would be a success, as the story connected with me on a deeper level.
A little background on the movie without giving much away – the time is 1939 and the place is Warsaw Poland. The story is based on the unpublished diary of Antonio Zabinski. It recounts the true story of how she and her husband, Jan Zabinski (Johan Heldenbergh), director of the Warsaw Zoo, saved the lives of 300 Jews who had been imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto following the German invasion of Poland.
In the 1930’s Jan Zabinski was the director of the thriving zoo; his wife Antonina had a remarkable sympathy for animals and their villa in the zoo was inhabited by numerous animals as well as their own son. In one extremely touching scene Antonina and her family and friends are gathered in the house, talking about the war, when she is asked to play the piano, since music calms the nerves. One of workers comes in and tells her that one of the elephants (Kashia) is in distress; she rushes out straight to her. The elephant has given birth and the calf is not moving. Antonina down on her knees understands that the calf is choking. She immediately goes into action removing the afterbirth and saving the life of the calf. I love animals and I could see the pain and fear in her eyes as she worked on saving the calf. It is who Antonina is; she loves her family and animals so much.
This idyllic scene comes to an end when the Germans invade Poland. The zoo’s animals and structures were destroyed in the bombings and siege of the city. The zoo was closed under German occupation, but Antonina and Jan continue to occupy their home and zoo. Jan has asked Antonina to leave with their son and she refuses. They are forced to report to chief zoologist Lutz Heck (Daniel Bruhl). He offers to take some of the more selective animals to Germany for a new breeding program there.
Antonina and Jan become active with the Polish underground resistance. They soon realize that their zoo’s animal cages and underground tunnels that have been abandoned can now safeguard human life.
I won’t giveaway anymore of the story but when you see this movie you will understand why it touched me so deeply and stirred emotions that I didn’t know I had inside of me!
After the screening of the movie, it was time for the Q&A session, which I was excited to participate in. This film was written and directed by women, which is another extraordinary accomplishment.
Director Nicki Caro has worked her magic to draw us into this story and into the life of Antonina, whom she described as a heroine.
Our roundtable discussion started with questions for Jessica about what she did to prepare for this role. Jessica stated that she did a lot of research regarding animals and visited the zoo. Nicki stated that Jessica was on the top of the list to play this role and that when they met it was an instant connection.
Nicki talks about how she wanted the work to be authentic in order to pay honor to those that died but to also celebrate those who didn’t. I found this extremely profound.
Jessica talked about her character and explained that she has compassion not only for her animals but for her human refugees that she helps, and it reiterates how animals have a healing power than can translate into other areas.
This is a beautiful love story that is mixed with horror and tragedy, but demonstrates that if you stay steadfast to your beliefs it will get you through.
I can’t wait to hear what you think about the movie and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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The Zookeepers Wife sounds like a really touching movie. This sounds like a great girl’s night out movie.
This sounds like such a great movie! I would love to take my older daughter to see it. She’s big into animals.
I haven’t seen this movie yet. I will have to get it to watch with my hubby.
World War 2 is such an interesting, and terrible, time in our world’s history. It’s always reassuring to hear stories of hope. Wasn’t it Mr. Rogers who told us in times of tragedy to look for the helpers?
this looks like such a wonderfully inspiring movie- so fantastic that you got a chance to meet with the cast and hear about the production!
The Zookeepers Wife sounds like an inspirational awesome movie. I have not heard to much about the movie but the review gets me excited to see it. Thanks for sharing this awesome movie.
Oh my goodness! I believe this IS the year of great movies. There are so many to look forward to watching, this included. The Zookeepers Wife looks like a moving film that is worth the wait.
This sounds like a great movie! Very interesting and I think kids will like it too.
Oh I’m really looking forward to seeing this! Great review!
Never heard of this movie but I would love to watch it!
I have been hearing a lot about this movie. It looks like it is going to be really good. I can’t wait to see it.
I had not heard of this movie, but this makes me want to see it. I agree that animals have a healing power, especially emotionally.
This looks like it will be a really great movie! It is on my list to see this year!
This looks like such a touching and important story to tell. Look forward to seeing it.
I am looking forward to seeing The Zookeeper’s Wife. I have been loving the commercials for it.
My mother in law loves animals. This seems like her kind of flick!
I will have to go see The Zookeeper’s Wife with my girlfriends. It sounds like a movie I would like.
This sounds like a movie I will want to see. I also have a friend that will love this. I am going to see if she wants to go with me. I have not heard this story before.
I have not heard anything about this movie but it looks like it would be really good. I will have to take the time to see it!
I can’t wait to see this movie. It looks so good and I loved the previews.
I have been hearing a lot of buzz about this film. I can’t wait to see it. Wonderful interview!
I bet this was a fantastic press junket to attend. The movie looks really good. I might have to read the book first though,
This sounds like it is going to be a great movie. I haven’t heard of it before, but I will be looking forward to it when it comes out.
This looks like it’s going to be a great movie. I’m so bummed I had to miss this event but I can’t wait to catch it in theaters.
This sounds like a great movie. I will have to make sure that I go and see it.
We just saw the movie poster for this last night – looks like a beautiful movie! I would love to go see this, I’m glad I had a chance to learn a little more.
I have seen the previews of this movie and this it is going to become a classic and a real winner. This character has so much love not only for the animals but for people.
Sounds like a great movie and I really like the actress! I have a night in tomorrow so would be great to curl up on the sofa and watch the movie 🙂
I am not sure why but this review made me tear up. Wonderfully written and I will for sure be seeing this movie that pulls at the heart.
This movie sounds fantastic. I haven’t heard of it until now, but I’m looking forward to it!
I love hearing about the struggles of brave people who helped other during times fo war or great struggle. Antonina was a hero for what she did. I cannot wait to see this film.
This movie sounds so great. I haven’t actually heard of it and i’m so glad that you wrote about it because it makes me want to watch it.
Also – love that it was written and directed by women! YES!
That sounds so amazing! I love stories like this that retell a REAL story. It sounds amazing.
I want to see this movie! It’s so important to keep this portion of our history alive. I am glad there story is being told.
I really want to see this movie, it looks like its going to be excellent!
Not sure if we saw the trailer but some friends have mentioned this movie and recommended we see it. I hope the kids love it!
That is a movie I definitely want to see! I will have to wait for it on DVD.
I am so glad this story is being told for the importance it holds in human history. We have seen the previews while at the movies recently and plan to go see it.
I just love Jessica Chastain so “The Zookeeper’s Wife” will definitely go on my “must watch” list. There is nothing better than cuddling on the couch watching a great movie!
I REALLY want to see this movie! I think it is important that people know history so that we don’t repeat it. It is definitely a black mark in our history and these people show that there still human kindness out there.
I am so interested in seeing this movie! I didn’t even know about it until the commercials started playing and it had me captivated immediately!
This is the first I’ve heard of this movie, but it sounds great. Looking forward to seeing it.