morenoapb3 Review of Wallenberg: A Hero's Story

Wallenberg: A Hero's Story (1985 TV Movie)

Touching miniseries honoring a true hero of World War II

[10/10 · 20 May 2005]

After much searching, I was able to obtain a copy of this miniseries though the tape is not all that clear, and some of the dialogue is hard to pick up. Since this has NEVER even been released on video, which in itself is ridiculous, I am just happy to have been able to view this wonderfully produced and acted miniseries based on the truly heroic Swedish Diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg. Filmed on location in 1984, the realistic surroundings add immensely to the depressing aura of that entire period, and Wallenberg's personal courage, charm, and sheer "balls" in taking on Adolph Eichmann and the Nazis in Budapest is very well represented by Richard Chamberlain's terrific performance, giving the audience a true sense of what Raoul Wallenberg was really all about. The supporting cast are all excellent as well, particularly the actors portraying Adolph Eichmann,(he bears a physical resemblance as well) and the actors portraying the members of the underground Jewish resistance in Budapest, who initially view Wallenberg's efforts to save Jews with great suspicion. Of course, being that this movie is based on true events, the ending is highly depressing.(SPOILER ALERT!) Because the War is now almost over, you would have hoped that Raoul Wallenberg would have been able to return to his privileged life from an aristocratic family in Sweden, and enjoy much praise and adulation for his courage in saving 100,000 Jews. Instead, sadly and horribly, he is snatched by the Soviets, never to be heard from again, despite many diplomatic efforts to find out what happened to him in the Soviet prison system. A most tragic end for a most wonderful and courageous hero!!