ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE is a powerful limited series created from the best-selling novel by Anthony Doerr. It has multiple historical themes based upon the French Resistance during World War II, yet it encompasses so much more about tenacity, hope, and love.
As a visually impaired person who uses a “blind” cane to manipulate my world, “seeing” this magnificent, epic story unfold was very personal. I could not wait to meet Marie, (Aria Mia Loberti) Daniel, (Mark Ruffalo) Etienne, (Hugh Laurie), and Werner (Louis Hofmann). I had images in mind for everyone including the antagonist Reinbolt played brilliantly by Lars Eidenger. I was not disappointed, but the series does take liberties from the novel. This was all done with the author’s blessing. I understand on one level the “why” behind the choices the creative team made. I would love to attend a Q&A and ask a million questions.
I felt the chemistry among the family. My heart jolted at every cliffhanger in between each episode. I ached for the senseless destruction of the bombings, the torture, and the deaths. This is not a series for the weak at heart. It is raw, and explosive, and places viewers at the edge of their seats. Gemstones have more value to some than the air we all breathe. Hearing the Professor‘s voice was very soothing. It gave all the children seconds of strength to make it through another night. “All you have to do is listen and perhaps save a peach for triumph.”
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE did not receive rave reviews due to the “heavy hand” of the director, Shawn Levy. I totally disagreed with this assessment and stand with the audience’s opinions. It was beautifully filmed and brought into the light of a terribly, dark period of our history. The cinematography was stunning. I felt the rip inside my gut as the Nazi flag unfolded in Paris. I especially felt my heart soar as I watched Marie “blindly” walk through the American forces as they helped to liberate the French people. During the ending credits, there were real clips shown of the massive clean-up after hundreds of bombs dropped. It was truly inspiring.
“The tiger and the light is within all of us.” We just must be cognizant and ready. “Everything has a voice” ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE proves that love will always prevail. It is available to stream on Netflix.
