Georgia Hunter’s bestselling novel “We Were the Lucky Ones” has found a new life on screen, captivating audiences with its riveting tale of resilience and determination. Based on the true story of a Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, the adaptation is a poignant reminder of the strength of family bonds and the human spirit.
Take a deeper dive with us and explore the intricacies of the series from its historical roots to its stellar cast, and the ongoing conversation from critics and viewers.
Is We Were The Lucky Ones Based On A True Story?
The series traces the real-life experiences of the Kurc family, who were torn apart by the horrors of World War II yet clung to the slimmest hopes of reunion and survival. Author Georgia Hunter, a descendant of the Kurcs, spent a decade piecing together her family’s past, travelling to archives and interviewing relatives across the globe. Her commitment to authenticity shines through in the narrative, providing a foundation that combines rigorous historical research with deeply personal stories.
Historical Context
World War II left an indelible mark on Poland, particularly on its Jewish community, which faced unprecedented brutality under Nazi occupation. The invasion of Poland in September 1939 by Germany marked the beginning of a catastrophic period for Europe, but especially for Poland, which became the primary battleground and a territory of extreme Nazi atrocities. The series “We Were the Lucky Ones” is set against this harrowing backdrop, reflecting the devastating impact of the war on individual lives and the collective fate of the Polish Jewish population.
Poland was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world before the war, with about 3.3 million living predominantly in urban centres like Warsaw, Krakow, and Lodz. The Nazi occupation strategy was ruthless and systematic: ghettos were established to segregate Jews from the rest of the population, and these became areas of extreme deprivation and suffering.
Over the course of the war, the ghettos were liquidated, and the inhabitants were either killed on the spot or transported to concentration camps. The series painstakingly portrays the transition from pre-war normalcy to the grim reality of ghetto life, capturing the stark contrast between the vibrancy of Jewish life before the war and the darkness that followed.
The significance of this historical setting in “We Were the Lucky Ones” cannot be overstated. By anchoring the family’s narrative in the specific events that unravelled in Poland, the series provides viewers with a visceral understanding of the Holocaust’s brutality. Scenes depicting the invasion, the establishment of ghettos, the active resistance movements, and the constant peril of extermination camps highlight not only the historical events but also the human responses to these unimaginable circumstances. This detailed depiction helps to contextualize the decisions and actions of the Kurc family, making their eventual survival not just miraculous but emblematic of broader patterns of Jewish resilience and defiance.
Moreover, the series does not shy away from illustrating the varied responses within the Polish populace—from those who risked their lives to aid Jews to others who were indifferent or complicit in Nazi crimes. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the complex web of social dynamics during the war. “We Were the Lucky Ones” thus serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors faced by Polish Jews during the Holocaust, but also as a testament to the enduring human spirit, providing a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of one of history’s darkest times.
Plot
At its core, “We Were the Lucky Ones” is about the unyielding determination of a dispersed family to find their way back to each other.
Each episode interweaves multiple storylines, following different family members across continents—from the labour camps of Siberia to the Brazilian coast, each setting starkly different yet united by the common thread of survival due to the ever-escalating situations faced because of World War II. The narrative structure is both sprawling and intimate, managing to capture the global scale of the war while maintaining a focus on the personal stakes for each family member.
Cast
Many critics have applauded the casting of “We Were the Lucky Ones” finding actors who could authentically portray the Kurc family’s extraordinary journey.
Meet The Kurc Family
- Joey King as Halina portrays the youngest of the Kurc siblings. Her character’s journey from a carefree young woman to a resilient survivor. Halina’s storyline is pivotal as it reflects the rapid maturation many young people faced due to the war’s relentless hardships.
- Logan Lerman as Addy captures the essence of a man torn from his familiar world and thrust into foreign environments as he struggles to reconnect with his family. His character’s journey across continents highlights the global scale of the conflict and its impact on individuals.
- Robin Weigert as Nechuma, the matriarch of the Kurc family, represents the backbone of her family, embodying strength and determination. Her character is a beacon of hope and resilience, guiding her family through the darkest times with unwavering support and wisdom.
- Lior Ashkenazi as Sol depicts a character who, despite the despair and chaos of war, holds onto hope and strives to keep the family informed and connected. Sol’s efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy and his strategic thinking are crucial in navigating the dangers of war, providing a lifeline to his scattered family.
- Amit Rahav as Jakob brings to life the emotional and psychological toll of the war. His character deals with the conflict’s direct impact, from forced labour to the constant threat of capture. Jakob’s story is one of endurance and emotional resilience, portraying the personal sacrifices that define the human cost of war.
- Hadas Yaron as Mila encapsulates the profound impact of the war on family life. Her character’s experiences, from evading Nazi round-ups to the desperate efforts to protect her child, highlight the intense maternal instinct and bravery that come to the fore in times of crisis. Mila’s story is a poignant exploration of motherhood under unimaginable circumstances.
- Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Genek portrays a character whose protective instincts and leadership are tested to the extreme. Genek’s role in the series explores themes of responsibility, guilt, and survival, reflecting the complex dynamics of a man who is both a brother and a leader within his family.
Current Conversations: Relevance and Reception
Since its release, “We Were the Lucky Ones” has ignited discussions on its historical accuracy, storytelling approach, and emotional impact. In an era where the importance of remembering history is ever more pertinent, the series has been praised for bringing the personal stories of Holocaust survivors to the forefront, reminding viewers of the human faces behind the haunting and unbelievable historical events that occurred during World War II.
Reviews
Critics have praised the series for its respectful handling of such a sensitive subject matter, its well-researched backdrop, and its compelling narrative. Audience reactions have been positive, critics on Rotten Tomatoes have awarded the war mini-series with a 96% Tomatometer while audiences have been almost as favourable with 83% Audience Score. While on IMDb the series has still delivered a respectable score of 6.9/10 with one of the most recent reviews summing up the series.
“As a Jew I find this series to be astonishingly good and difficult to watch. The director only chose Jewish actors for the main roles which is significant. When I watch or read anything about the Holocaust I feel it in my bones. The book it is based on was written by the great-granddaughter of Nechuma and Sol. I know any Jewish actor playing a role in a script about the Holocaust would not be acting….they would be thinking it could have been them and still might be. Anti-Semitism is the oldest hatred in the world dating back 2000 years. The story is a biography about a real family that managed to survive intact. That is a miracle. A must-see in my opinion.” carolyn-lazar.
Trailer
Read The Book
As they say, the book is better than the movie — well in this case the TV Series. On Amazon the novel has received 4.6 stars from over 38,000 reviews.
How to Watch We Were The Lucky Ones
For Australian viewers eager to dive into the latest war mini-series, “We Were the Lucky Ones” is available on stream on Disney+.