Paper Clips
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Paper Clips

2004, Performing Arts  -   7 Comments
6.56
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Ratings: 6.56/10 from 16 users.

Paper ClipsThis modestly produced documentary packs an emotional wallop unlike practically any other in recent memory. It takes place in the rural, blue-collar Tennessee community of Whitwell, where a middle-school class embarks upon a simple but ambitious project: In an attempt to gauge the magnitude of World War II's Holocaust, students begin collecting paper clips, each of which represents a human life lost in the Nazis' systematic slaughter of Jews.

They are to amass 6 million paper clips, imagining each tiny piece of metal to be a human being. Thanks to the tremendous skill of directors Elliot Berlin and Joe Fab, we see how the enormity of this task transforms not only the children but their parents; indeed, the entire community. As the paper clips pile up, the people begin to understand the comprehensiveness of that long-ago manifestation of intolerance and hatred.

There is, we must admit, a bit of theatricality and heavy-handedness to the film's presentation. But its message is so clearly delineated and profound that its minor directorial excesses can easily be forgiven. Viewing this powerfully moving motion picture would benefit every family in the country...

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dewflirt
dewflirt
10 years ago

Honestly, they're not tears - I was just chopping onions...

gavin
gavin
10 years ago

why does everyone seem to praise this documentary but me? im doingan assignment on it for school and im just dreading the thought of a paper clip now. usually when you get to watch something in class its a ton of fun and all that but this thing is just dull

Barb Krumwiede Kehr
Barb Krumwiede Kehr
12 years ago

'Paper Clips' is a wonderful, moving documentary. What an incredible project.

Sybil Spencer
Sybil Spencer
12 years ago

I've seen this documentary on television and it's one of the most moving things I've ever experienced. All kids should be so lucky as to learn this lesson this way. God bless those teachers who thought of it.

Lori Urban
Lori Urban
12 years ago

Top Documentary site very cool.