TV SERIES REVIEW
We Were the Lucky Ones
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 8 x 55m episodes
Director(s): Thomas Kail
Created by: Erica Lipez
Cast: Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, Sam Woolf, Michael Aloni, Moran Rosenblatt, Eva Feiler, Lior Ashkenazi, Robin Weigert.
Where To Watch: premieres on Hulu on March 28, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES feels like unearthing a treasure trove of courage, resilience, and hope amidst the rubble of World War II. This series is a heartfelt plunge into a family’s struggle to find each other across great reaches torn by conflict. With great performances by Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, and more, you get to step into the worn shoes of the Kurc family, feeling every jolt of their war-ravaged journey with intensity and authenticity.

From the first scene, the series pulls you into its embrace, unveiling the story of a Passover celebration shadowed by the brewing storm of war. As the series unfolds, it navigates through the splintered lives of the family, taking viewers from the oppressive streets of occupied Radom, a city in Poland, to the fraught escape routes to Lviv, Ukraine. It’s as if the series choreographs a delicate balance, with each character’s story creating a symphony of enduring spirit.

Despite its compelling narrative and stunning visual storytelling that takes you from Bucharest to the scenic realms of Málaga and Cádiz, WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, even with its extensive limited series runtime, leaves a hunger for a deeper exploration into the minds and hearts that endured these trials. The series paints a vivid picture and leaves you wanting more and more at the end of every episode.

The beauty of WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES lies in its ability to transport you into the heart of the Kurc family saga. You’re not just a bystander; you're an invisible family member, sharing in their moments of despair, resilience, and fleeting joy. This immersive experience is a rare find in historical dramas, offering an intimate glimpse into the endurance of the human spirit against the backdrop of war.

In its more subdued moments, the series achieves a quiet brilliance. It’s in the adaptability of Halina (Joey King) and the desperate journey of Addy (Logan Lerman) that the series finds its voice—a testament to the silent strength that defines survival. These moments offer a poignant reflection on the personal struggles that echo beneath the clamor of war, illuminating the series from start to finish. The cast truly lives their roles, weaving these moments into the fabric of the Kurc family narrative. Their dedication breathes life into the historical landscape, making each scene a silent witness to the unfolding saga.

WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES transcends the boundaries of a series. It offers a message from the past, a testament to the unyielding family bond amidst the chaos of war. It sails across the tumultuous seas of history, shedding light on the undimmed spirit of humanity even in the bleakest moments.

As the final credits roll on, WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES. This series leaves a legacy of storytelling that commemorates resilience in the face of despair and lights the way for future generations. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, capable of surmounting insurmountable odds. This series serves as a reminder, showing that we, too, can be “the fortunate ones” in the face of great adversity.

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[photo courtesy of HULU, OLD 320 SYCAMORE, ALL THE KING'S HORSES, DANFORTH COVE PRODUCTIONS, PEARL STREET FILMS, 20TH TELEVISION]

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