Editor's Note: We have brief reviews by three of our members - so this is a 'must watch' for all of us. Be sure to watch the trailer for the film (at the bottom of this article).
From Jim Mayrides
We just finished seeing the film "Audrey" and were moved by it. The story of her life, the early years in Holland, the loss of her father, and the Nazi occupation and eventually the relief efforts after the war are all very impressive and a testimony to her later commitment to help the world's children. The opening sequences of the film focus on her stardom and becoming a fashion icon, and it illustrates the amazing popularity Audrey had. Thousands of people followed her and were eager to get a glimpse of her, or a photograph and an autograph.
Audrey's personal life was very sad. She had a miscarriage and got divorced twice. Yet there is no doubt that she also had a happy family life with her two sons Sean and Luca. Her family was most important to her and she tried to get away from the glamour of show business. In the eighties, she found a perfect outlet in focusing on the world's underserved children. As UNICEF Ambassador she is seen in Africa, Asia and Central America, hugging children and encouraging women and staff. She is also seen at various UNICEF events, press conferences and addressing the US Congress.
There are many poignant interviews, although none with UNICEF staff ( - unless one considers John Isaac part of UNICEF). The film is worth watching and gives an insight in Audrey Hepburn's complicated yet amazing life.
It certainly is amazing that it was possible to make this film with so much historical footage. Very few actors or actresses have been honored in such a way. Although I had seen "Roman Holiday" while still in Hamburg in 1954 - and of course, liked the film, - I never was a fanatic of stars. It certainly was an honor to know and work with Audrey.
The documentary shows her quick rise to movie star fame and her successful acting career. Some portions of her life were seen as somewhat sad family-wise. But, the latter 30 minutes or so showed that her role as UNICEF Ambassador for children seemed to fulfill her and made her the happiest. She was always happy when dealing with her own two children as well as those of the third world. The UNICEF role as spokesperson for children perhaps satisfied something in her psyche. It is clear in the scenes of her tending to and holding the children. It is seen in her eyes and face while visiting. It could well be that she was probably one of UNICEF's most impactful ambassadors. It bears watching by all of us.
From Horst Cerni
Jim Mayrides
We just finished seeing the film "Audrey" and were moved by it. The story of her life, the early years in Holland, the loss of her father, and the Nazi occupation and eventually the relief efforts after the war are all very impressive and a testimony to her later commitment to help the world's children. The opening sequences of the film focus on her stardom and becoming a fashion icon, and it illustrates the amazing popularity Audrey had. Thousands of people followed her and were eager to get a glimpse of her, or a photograph and an autograph.
Audrey's personal life was very sad. She had a miscarriage and got divorced twice. Yet there is no doubt that she also had a happy family life with her two sons Sean and Luca. Her family was most important to her and she tried to get away from the glamour of show business. In the eighties, she found a perfect outlet in focusing on the world's underserved children. As UNICEF Ambassador she is seen in Africa, Asia and Central America, hugging children and encouraging women and staff. She is also seen at various UNICEF events, press conferences and addressing the US Congress.
There are many poignant interviews, although none with UNICEF staff ( - unless one considers John Isaac part of UNICEF). The film is worth watching and gives an insight in Audrey Hepburn's complicated yet amazing life.
It certainly is amazing that it was possible to make this film with so much historical footage. Very few actors or actresses have been honored in such a way. Although I had seen "Roman Holiday" while still in Hamburg in 1954 - and of course, liked the film, - I never was a fanatic of stars. It certainly was an honor to know and work with Audrey.
From Doreen Lobo
Who has not heard of Audrey Hepburn? We XUNICEF remember her well – not only in Roman Holiday and My Fair Lady, but the dynamic role she played as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador.
It was poignant to discover that Audrey was “sad”’ and did not feel loved. The abandonment of her father in her childhood had a profound and lasting impact on the rest of her life. Listening to Audrey’s voice and her words of wisdom together with observations of her son and grand-daughter was powerful. Audrey, a direct beneficiary, refers to both UNICEF and the Red Cross, that helped severely malnourished children in Europe in the aftermath of World War II.
Much to the consternation of Hollywood, she leaves fame and fortune to devote her life to her family. Her life comes full circle when a chance encounter with Jim Grant at a Fundraiser changes her life, as she becomes a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Audrey radiates warmth, love and passion as she travels for UNICEF and the world’s children.
From the documentary we learn that she finally comes to term with “love” from the tens of thousands of lives she touches and from her partner, Robert Wolders.
Doreen Lobo
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