Paradise (2016)

"Paradise" (2016) is a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and resilience set against the backdrop of the darkest era in human history. The narrative weaves together the fates of three individuals whose lives intersect amidst the horrors of war. Olga, a Russian aristocrat turned French Resistance member, stands as the beacon of hope in this tragic triptych. Her noble act of sheltering Jewish children leads to her capture during a brutal raid. Jules, a French collaborator, probes Olga's case. Drawn by her unwavering spirit, he attempts to soften her fate in exchange for her affection. However, his untimely death at the hands of Resistance fighters abruptly ends his intentions. Amidst the bleakness of the concentration camp where she is held captive, Olga crosses paths with Helmut, a high-ranking German SS officer, who once lost himself in her love and continues to harbor feelings for her. Their relationship, a twisted dance of love and destruction, unfolds as the Nazis' defeat looms on the horizon. As the war draws to a close, Helmut, driven by his undying affection, plots to save Olga and flee to South America. However, Olga's innate nobility surfaces in her decision to reject escape and embrace sacrifice. Believing in the innate goodness of people even under dire circumstances, she opts to save Rosa, a Jewish woman, by taking her place in the gas chamber. "Paradise," is a stark portrayal of reality, reminiscent of an old film montage where the truth unfolds in fragments, but always absolute. The film intersperses original footage with confessional monologues by the main characters, echoing the seminal words of German philosopher Karl Jaspers: "That which has happened is a warning. It must be continually remembered..." "Paradise" stands as an eternal reminder of the horrors of the past and a warning for the future.

Paradise is a drama movie featuring Yuliya Vysotskaya.

Paradise is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Film Movement Plus.

It is also possible to buy Paradise on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.