Richard Trank's profile of Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal initially has the dry feel of an educational film in its depiction of pre-World War II European Jewish life, concentration-camp atrocities, and Wiesenthal's decades-long dedication to bringing Nazi war criminals to justice. The film, produced by the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, can be hagiographic, but the close association gave Trank access to rare footage, copious documentation and a wide roster of Wiesenthal associates. Clearly Trank's greatest asset is Wiesenthal himself, who, in many archival interviews, tells much of his own story. Wiesenthal proves a lively, quick-witted, even self-effacing narrator -- a tiny man in a shabby suit, toiling in the shadow of six million dead. His strength lies in turning his survivor's guilt inside-out into a powerful life force, even as his mission brought international controversy and painful personal costs. But, immutably, Wiesenthal's life was a triumph, not just because he lived to be 96 -- or even because he achieved so much of his quest -- but because his story remains inspirational: One person can make a difference. In English, and German, with subtitles. Starts Fri., June 8. Manor (AH)
