Arthur is a treasure in every way possible. What can and ought to be learned from this film is that for the Jewish people, although a scab has formed over the wound, it can be picked off to bleed so easily even today, with ignorance. It is incredibly important for those who don't know a Jew to seek one out such as in the film.
Being the "other" has been difficult for me growing up. I have been hated by classmates and coworkers. Called a "f**king Jew B**ch:" just for the blood that runs through my veins. I am not yet 40. This is a current affair.
Germans should not feel guilt for what their parents and grandparents did, but they should feel a responsibility to both make the world aware of why it is wrong to hate and to feel sickened.
For the person who took from this movie ANYTHING OTHER than the importance of the Judaism German connection but rather the elders loneliness-you missed the point nearly entirely.

This short documentary was wonderful and touching; however, I didnt look at the film based upon the topic of German against Jew. I looked at it as a person finding a friend. I saw it as a understanding that one day will all be alone or lonely. Becoming old is a very depressing part of a person's life. We start to fade. People visit less. Isolation sets in and each day that you wake up is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that you see that you are still breathing and that you can live another day; however, a curse because your bones ache, you live in constant pain, the failures and mistakes of life are relived, and losses of life are remembered. The German young man was sincere in a few things, but he didnt come across as totally genuine most of the time. This is a huge testement of how we (Americans) treat our elderly. Left to be forgotten, alone, and discarded. It was such as shame to hear the desperate plea of someone so old, "So, I will not see you again?" I hope we all take a lesson from this short film, and use the time that we have to give back to the world because one day, we will all eventually be pushing a walker around as well.

Touching, really sweet film, not least because it is about a truly remarkable man (arthur). The young German seems quite earnest, if a bit glib and emotionless.It's interesting to note that Hitler was close to at least 2 Jews as a young man. He pal-ed around with another youthful bohemian who was Jewish, even did some traveling with him. And the doctor who treated his mother for cancer was Jewish, a man named Bloch. Dr. Bloch noted that he had never seen anyone so attached to, and so devastated by the death of, a loved one as was the young Hitler. Hitler noted his great appreciation for all the work that Dr. Bloch did, in a card that he sent to Dr. Bloch. Later, as the Fuehrer, he saved Dr. Block from the Holocaust, and called him a "noble Jew.""Accept, but remain suspicious" was Arthur's Talmudic motto for dealing with the young German. Considering Hitler's early affinity for particular Jews, I think Arthur's reserve in regards to the young German was perhaps not a misplaced caution, after all.

A movie about love, forgiveness, giving, receiving, making things better for all of us. I like the message of if you can't find a way to make things better, then move on. If you can't improve race, cultural, human relationships then move on, but don't bring up the past in a way that continues to divide. This is a very heartwarming film showing a very real example of what is possible between two people that have reason to hate and distrust, but choose to care instead.

You don't need to be Jewish or old...to appreciate this film. It only requires being human. In our world many are growing older and many have carried with them dark secrets and deep pain. Huge chasms afflict the human family among them are the divisions of race, religion and personal choice. Life hurts, life has pain and more often than not a healing process is the result of an effort taken by one party or another or both. In this story a young man makes a great journey and takes personal risks and makes sacrifices of which many of his own generation would not take but because of his choice he receives a very unique education and a special gift, that of a new friend. He not only receives but he also gives and his gift will be sorely missed, that gift is his presence.I am inspired of how many stories like this there are just a doorway away, a neighbor down the hall or across the street. I am challenged to knock on that door and to also take the risk for the chance of an unexpected but worthy reward.

This was a heartwarming and at times sad film. I think everyone can identify with this story (especially if you're Jewish). I thought it very interesting that at the end of the film, Arthur was sad to see Christoph leave after his one year of service in New York. A great film, told in a touching way. The world must be aware and keep close watch on those who still feel there should be a super race. No one is better than anyone else.

Interesting. But I feel it could have been better with more background and history. And maybe a prologue....where are they now?
Strangely, I am left feeling very uneasy about the growing worldwide anti-Semitism and racial anger.