The Last Goldfish: A Story of Identity, Survival and Legacy

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Keywords: Refugee, Identity, History, WWII, Jewish, Personal History, Legacy

Introduction:

The Last Goldfish, directed by Su Goldfish, was released in 2017. It presents an extraordinary story of Manfred Goldfish, a refugee who fled from his home in 1939 due to traumatic circumstances. This documentary touches upon the significance of personal history, identity, and the shared experiences of refugees, which remain relevant in today's global refugee crisis.

Synopsis:

The Last Goldfish unfolds the unique journey of Manfred Goldfish who tried to suppress his traumatic past that led him to become a refugee in 1939. When his daughter, Su Goldfish, delves into her father's remarkable past, she not only finds a sense of belonging but also uncovers a universal truth shared by millions of other displaced individuals.

More film analysis

Analysis:

This documentary employs an investigative approach. Su Goldfish conducts meticulous research into her father's past and the geopolitical factors that shaped his life. The depth of subject exploration is commendable and the presentation style is intimate and impactful.

Historical and Factual Context:

The Last Goldfish delves into the historical context of World War II, specifically the plight of Jewish refugees. Understanding this period can provide viewers with a better grasp of Manfred's experiences.

Key themes of the film:

  • The importance of personal history and legacy
  • The universal experiences of refugees
  • The search for identity and belonging
  • The power of resilience

Film Comparisons:

The Last Goldfish provides a uniquely personal perspective on the refugee experience, similar to other films on iWonder but with a more intimate familial focus.

Noteworthy Moments:

The revelation of Manfred's past and Su's subsequent journey of self-discovery are significant moments in the documentary.

Reviews:

The Last Goldfish received positive reviews for its honest portrayal of a refugee’s journey, it currently holds a 7.9 IMDB rating.

Conclusion:

The Last Goldfish is a remarkable exploration of personal history, identity, and the refugee experience. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical documentaries, personal narratives, and social issues.

More film information:

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IMDB: 7.9
Awards: 1 nomination: Sydney Film Festival

PERSONALITIES:
Manfred Goldfish: The central figure whose life story forms the basis of the documentary
Su Goldfish: Manfred's daughter who uncovers her father's past.

LOCATIONS:
Germany
Trinidad
Australia

Links for further exploration

  1. Psychology and the refugee experience: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-24985-021
  2. The History of Jewish Refugees: https://www.jstor.org/stable/4615220

Key Questions Raised by the Film:

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How does personal history shape our identities?

What are the universal experiences shared by refugees?

I wonder what the film would be in another art form :

"The Diary of Anne Frank" - if it was a famous book, for its intimate exploration of a personal journey amidst the horrors of WWII.

"Imagine" by John Lennon - if it was a famous song, reflecting the longing for peace and unity.

Picasso's "Guernica" - if it was a famous piece of art, for its depiction of the impact of war.

Meryl Streep - if it was a famous celebrity, for her ability to portray complex and emotional narratives.

Blue - if it was a colour, symbolizing both the sorrow of the past and the hope for the future.

Classical - if it was a music style, for its depth, complexity, and emotional resonance.