The Zookeeper’s Wife is set in the 1940’s during the Nazi regime in which Antonina and Jan Sabinski who run a very successful zoo in Warsaw Poland until it was invaded by Nazis and they were required to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist. The story explains exhibits the trauma and turmoil inflicted in Poland as it became a war zone and was scattered with ghettos in which the Sabinskis watched many of their friends and colleagues become admitted to. After their zoo was destroyed by bombs and the Reich, the couple began rescuing Jews out of the ghetto through a feed truck and hiding them from the Nazis in their zoo. This movie was based on a true story in which the Sabinskis were honored for their work and the Warsaw Zoo can still be visited today.

This movie is not for the faint of heart, even though it is rated PG13 it is a tear-jerker and covers adult content in reference to what happened in the Nazi ran ghettos, as well as some violence and gore in war scenes and dead animal remains. However, it’s historical accuracy and specific details regarding the Sabinski family is well put together as the audience is highly influenced by the action and suspense displayed in the character’s relationships with each other.

I would rate this movie a 4.5/5 stars, a must-see for history buffs.