The Port of Last Resort (1998)

In the heart-stirring documentary, "The Port of Last Resort" (1998), a forgotten chapter of history is unfurled. It chronicles the tale of almost 20,000 European Jews, who in the direst of circumstances, sought refuge in the farthest corners of the world, specifically Shanghai, between late 1937 and 1941. As the Nazi threat ominously loomed, Shanghai emerged as the only beacon of hope for these Jews, a city that held a unique status as a free port, requiring no entry papers. However, this refuge, far from being a sanctuary, was fraught with its own perils. The film vividly portrays the relative tolerance of the Japanese occupiers, who, while far from being saviors, managed to resist their Grand Ally, Germany's, call for the extermination of Jews. This resistance even extended to thwarting the nefarious plans of the Nazi "Butcher of Warsaw", assigned to obliterate the Jews of Shanghai. The poignant journey of these Jews through Shanghai is revealed through the eyes of four survivors - Fred Fields, now of Miami, Ernest and Illo Heppner, and Siegmar Simon. Their recollections, combined with an astonishing montage of rare film footage assembled by filmmakers Joan Grossman and Paul Rosdy, who also wrote, edited, directed and produced the documentary, provide a captivating and intimate glimpse into this remarkable historical period. Unfortunately, after the Communist takeover of China, any vestiges of the Jews' existence, even a Jewish cemetery holding 2,000 graves, were brutally erased. "The Port of Last Resort" serves as a testament to this overlooked exodus, offering viewers a chance to witness a remarkable story of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Port of Last Resort is a documentary movie featuring Barbara Sukowa and directed by Paul Rosdy.

The Port of Last Resort is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy The Port of Last Resort on Amazon Video.