When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Synopsis

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a poignant coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of rising Nazi Germany. The film follows the story of nine-year-old Anna, played by Riva Krymalowski, whose family is forced to flee Berlin to escape persecution due to their Jewish heritage. As they move from Germany to Switzerland and later to France and England, Anna struggles to cope with losing her home, friends, and even her beloved pink rabbit toy. The narrative delicately explores themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for identity in uncertain times. Anchored in historical context yet deeply personal, the film sheds light on the emotional turmoil of exile through a child's eyes.

Cast

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  Riva Krymalowski

  Anna Kemper

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  Oliver Masucci

  Arthur Kemper

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  Carla Juri

  Dorothea Kemper

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  Marinus Hohmann

  Max Kemper

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  Justus von Dohnányi

  Onkel Julius

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  Ursula Werner

  Heimpi

Reviews

Critics have generally responded positively to When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, highlighting its sensitive storytelling and strong performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 81% approval rating, with reviewers praising its heartfelt portrayal of a child's experience during a tumultuous era. The website's consensus notes the film as an "empathetic and tender adaptation" that "effectively captures the fear and hope of refugee life." IMDb users give the film a solid 7.0/10 rating, reflecting general audience appreciation for its thoughtful narrative and period detail. However, Metacritic offers a more mixed perspective with a score of 54/100, indicating some critics found the pacing slow or felt the film lacked dramatic tension. Variety described the movie as "a well-meaning, albeit conventional, family drama," while The Guardian admired Riva Krymalowski's "naturalistic and touching" performance as Anna. Overall, the film is regarded as a respectful and enlightening adaptation of Judith Kerr's beloved novel, though its understated approach may not appeal to all viewers seeking more dynamic storytelling.