Search - Last Best Hope - A True Story of Escape, Evasion, and Remembrance on DVD

Last Best Hope

Martha T. Terzian | Abilene, TX USA | 10/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was extrememly well done and quite personal to my family since I am the wife of Jack Terzian who was in the same Bastille with Bill Grosvenor in Brussels though they never met at the time. Through the years, I had heard most of the story and certainly had heard much of how the brave Belgians had saved so many of our airmen. We kept in contact for years with a number of the people and still have contact with the daughter of one of the ladies who worked tirelessly with the underground in Belgium. Their strength and bravery should never be forgotten and as my daughter wrote to Mme Anne Brusselmans, my husband's guardian angel---"if it were not for you, I wouldn't be here." Congratulations on a job well done."

A personal film of courage and duty

Chris Norris | Arlington, Tx United States | 11/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wold War II is one of the single most documented events in world history and yet this film delivers an outstanding recount of a young American pilot who has been shot down over Nazi occupied Belgium. This event begins an amazing journey of a man who is aided and assisted by complete strangers, in a foreign country, rising up to battle a national force far greater than themselves.

While many filmmakers would have chosen to only tell the heroism of the pilot, viewers of this film are taken deep into the stories of several Belgium men and women who risked their lives, families and possessions to aid not only this allied pilot but scores of other pilots shot down over Belgium. The filmmakers build a rich tapestry of storytelling and weave a deep emotional connection for the viewer.

Dates, timelines and geography, while important to the film, serve as the backdrop to set the scene of what is one of the best, personal WW II documentaries to date.

Last Best Hope by nature compels the viewer to put aside preconceived notions and place themselves in the life of this allied pilot as well as the people that helped him out of compassion and hope. It offers a portrait of personal courage and freedom and provides a great reflection as to what community and service really means under the greatest of circumstances. It is a must see for documentary lovers as well as young people today that are far removed from this great generation."

Riveting and touching

Lisa Crispin | Denver, CO United States | 11/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My eyes were glued to the TV watching this, every picture was so touching, every story was so moving. I was surprised how many young girls in particular risked their lives to save Allied airmen. The interviews are so moving, and the film really gives a sense of what their efforts cost these courageous people. Each survivor was so bright, so full of life, I wondered if this personality had allowed them to resist the Nazis, or if the experience of doing so is what changed them into such vibrant people. I am so glad that documentaries like this are being made while the survivors are still alive. And I am incredibly grateful to all of them."

Constant Reminder to the World

Toni Wellhausen | Abilene, TX | 11/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I may be prejudiced because my dad was in the film, I cannot sing the praises of this film enough. This Greatest Generation is so humble - never wanting to call attention to themselves. Yet we all need constant reminders of how precious our freedom is, and what sacrifices these brave men and women made so that WE can live in a free country. I was moved to tears as I watched the film and tried to put myself in the place of the resistance volunteers - would I be as selfless? Everyone needs to view this film over and over again. Without the help of these tireless people, I wouldn't be here. I thank the Belgians for getting my daddy home!
I cannot thank David and Ramona enough for making this film. In telling the story about Bill Grosvenor, they were able to get my father's story for us. How ironic that two of these airmen who didn't know each other while in the prison and who escaped that same day from that train would end up living in the same city? Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Beautiful score, meaningful film."