Jessica Chastain-starring "The Zookeeper's Wife," about Antonina's love for life, to be released nationwide in December.
Jessica Chastain-starring "The Zookeeper's Wife," about Antonina's love for life, to be released nationwide in December at TOHO Cinemas Miyukiza and other theaters.
The film is based on the non-fiction book "The Zookeeper's Wife: A True Story of Courage and Sacrifice" by Diane Ackerman (published by Aki Shobo).
It is a little-known, moving true story about Jan and Antonina, the zookeepers who hid Jewish people in their zoo and saved the lives of 300 people during World War II in Warsaw, Poland.
The lead actress, Jessica Chastain, is renowned for her role as a CIA analyst in "Zero Dark Thirty" (directed by Kathryn Bigelow), which was nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Johan Heldenbergh plays her husband, with Daniel Brühl, Iddo Goldberg, Shira Haas, and Golo Golgoth also appearing in supporting roles.
A strong conviction to stand bravely against Nazi Germany, even at the risk of their own lives.
This became a great hope, encouraging the Jewish people who were on the brink of despair.
A masterpiece to be etched in film history, depicting a heart that cherishes what is truly important and the radiance of life that war cannot steal.
<Story>
1939, Warsaw, Poland. Jan and Antonina run the Warsaw Zoo, one of the largest in Europe. Antonina's daily routine includes cycling through the zoo each morning to greet the animals, even helping with births out of devotion. But in the autumn of that year, Germany invades Poland, and World War II breaks out. With the zoo's survival uncertain, Jan makes the astonishing proposal: "We will use this zoo as a hiding place." Antonina, who deeply loves all living beings, both human and animal, immediately accepts. Jan sneaks into the ghetto (Jewish residential area) to rescue Jewish people one by one, smuggling them into the zoo enclosures, where Antonina uses her piano skills and warm meals to heal their wounded hearts.
At times, the sound of her piano served as a signal to "hide" or "escape."
If this "rescue operation" were discovered by German soldiers, not only they but even their child's life would be in danger. With Jan often away, Antonina single-handedly protected the "hiding place," facing the danger with unwavering courage. How did they save 300 lives while risking so much?
Original Title: The Zookeeper’s Wife Original Story: The Zookeeper's Wife: A True Story of Courage and Sacrifice (Aki Shobo)
Screenplay: Angela Workman Director: Niki Caro "The Zookeeper's Wife" Starring: Jessica Chastain, Daniel Brühl, Johan Heldenbergh, Michael McElhatton. Support: Polish Cultural Institute Support: Polish Cultural Institute, Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Cooperation: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Distribution: Phantom Film Promotion: Phantom Film, Maison.
http://zookeepers-wife.jp/ (C) 2017 ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE LP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.