"The Last Days" is an exceptional film where five Hungarian Holocaust survivors tell their stories of their lives under the Nazis. Unlike other documentaries, these Jews did not experience any of this persecution until their country was annexed by the Germans in 1944. Their stories begin in 1944 and they recount the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. Additionally, corroborating accounts from American soldiers and a German doctor working at Auschwitz were included as well as lots of archival photos and film. In many ways, this film is like going to a Holocaust center and listening to accounts of the survivors. Despite this film being very well made and quite moving, it's a case of preaching to the choir. In other words, those who are not insane or stupid and acknowledge that the Germans slaughtered millions will watch this film and appreciate it. Others probably won't watch it or else they'll dismiss the film as propaganda or an exaggeration or a conspiracy. Frankly, there isn't much you can do with this group. In the future, after successive generations have come and gone, this film will prove invaluable as a record of the Nazi horrors. But, since it only consists of five subjects, the film is naturally incomplete. Other films, such as "Shoah" and "Night and Fog" help to provide a more thorough story and are all worth seeing--but are also very draining. These are all exceptional films--just be sure you have some Kleenex handy as you watch.

This is the perfect companion to Schindler's list. Produced by Spielberg, this documentary tells about five Hungarian survivors of the death camps of Hungary and Auschwitz. There are also interviews with a Nazi doctor who used to perform experiments on Jewish children, like trying to change the color of their eyes. The scenes are unforgettable. Many new atrocities of the Nazis are brought to light. There are many tear inducing scenes in the documentary. This got the Academy Award for the best documentary of 1998. I highly recommend this for those who are eager to know more about the Holocaust and for those who want to see the extent of evil which man inflicts on another man. 4 out of 5 for this spellbinder.

As far as documentaries go this one was informative and fast paced enough to keep you interested. I felt that the selection of vintage footage was right on the mark, along with *most* of the people they interviewed (it seemed kind of pointless to make the old lady go back to the refugee camp*brick factory* and cry, i don't feel it added anything to the story, plus she was not a very good interview). I think it gives us a good look into what things were like at that time, although the viewpoint is obviously biased. That is not to say i wish to trivialize the experience of the survivors, but it seemed odd that they sat the doctor, who had helped the Jews survive the holocaust by enlisting them in harmless tests, next to the old woman and practically let her attack him (an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind). The directing in the movie was nothing spectacular, as no great symbolism existed in many of the key shots, such as the survivors going back to visit the camps, but the work was solid although not artistic (which is par for most all documentaries). In the end this documentary relies upon the fact that it has a subject matter that sells, just as if i were to plunk down 30 million dollars and make a documentary about 9/11 a bunch of people would be on here saying it was the "best movie ever". no offense but subject matter does not a movie make. In conclusion i say if your looking for a documentary on the holocaust from a perspective of (polish?) Jews then this is your man, if you want to see a better story from the holocaust see schindlers list and if you want the whole story read a lot and goto the Museum of tolerance in either LA or NYC.

An absolutely unforgettable documentary and one that should be seen by everyone. The Holocaust images and portrayals that are put forward on screen will remain with you forever and are at times equally emotionally devastating and inspiring. Truly a life-altering film experience. Recommended.9/10