The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

Year: 1959

Runtime: 180 min

Language: English

Director: George Stevens

BiographyDramaHistoryWarFamily

During World War II in occupied Holland, a shopkeeper and his wife risk their lives to hide the Frank and Van Daan families in a concealed annex behind their business. For over two years, they live in fear and confinement, facing constant danger from the Nazis. Anne Frank’s poignant diary entries offer a deeply personal account of their experiences, exploring themes of hope, despair, and the complexities of human connection within the confines of their hidden existence, while also documenting her evolving relationship with Peter Van Daan.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Diary of Anne Frank yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Diary of Anne Frank (1959). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1942-1945

The movie takes place during World War II, a time of great turmoil and suffering for many, particularly the Jewish population in Europe. This period was marked by oppressive regimes, widespread persecution, and the struggle for survival amidst the chaos of war. It covers significant events, including the emergence of resistance and the hope that flickers in the darkest times.

Location

Amsterdam, Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen

Amsterdam is the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, known for its artistic heritage and narrow houses with gabled facades, famous canals, and a rich history. In the film, it serves as both a place of refuge and a setting for the harrowing experiences faced by Jews during WWII. Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, both infamous concentration camps, symbolize the horrors of the Holocaust.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Historical 🚨 War

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:53

Main Characters – The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

Meet the key characters of The Diary of Anne Frank (1959), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Otto Frank

Otto Frank is the determined and caring father, embodying resilience and hope after the devastating loss of his family. He takes on the role of a teacher and caretaker in the secret annex, striving to maintain the morale of those around him. His journey reflects the themes of survival and loss, underscoring his deep love for Anne.

👨‍👧 Father 🕊️ Hopeful 💔 Grief

Anne Frank

Anne Frank is portrayed as a spirited and imaginative young girl whose diary gives voice to her dreams and fears. Her wit and determination shine in the face of adversity. Through her perspective, audiences witness the innocence of youth being overshadowed by the grim realities of war and persecution.

📝 Writer 🌈 Optimistic 👧 Youth

Miep Gies

Miep Gies is a brave and resourceful young woman who plays a vital role in protecting the Frank family during their time in hiding. Her unwavering dedication and courage symbolically connect the characters with the outside world. Miep's actions emphasize the importance of compassion and humanity amidst the horrors of war.

🦸‍♀️ Savior 💖 Compassionate ⚖️ Justice

Peter van Daan

Peter van Daan is a quiet and introspective teenager who becomes Anne’s companion during their time in hiding. His initial shyness gradually gives way to a deeper connection with Anne, offering a sense of normality amidst their confinement. Together, they navigate the complexities of adolescence in a time of crisis.

💞 Friend 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Companion 🌪️ Troubled

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:53

Major Themes – The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

Explore the central themes of The Diary of Anne Frank (1959), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📖 Hope

Despite the overwhelming despair, hope stands central to Anne's narrative. Her diary symbolizes a beacon of hope, capturing her dreams and aspirations amid adversity. Through her words, Anne expresses a belief in the goodness of humanity, resiliently clinging to hope even as she faces the grim realities of war.

👥 Survival

The theme of survival is critical, as the characters navigate the dangers of living in hiding. Their efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy reflect their determination to survive not just physically but emotionally. The constant threat of discovery underscores the fragility of life during wartime.

🕊️ Loss

Loss permeates the story, evidenced by the fates of Anne's family and friends. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war, leaving lasting scars on survivors. Otto's return and recollection of those lost emphasizes the weight of grief in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:53

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Claustrophobic survival stories like The Diary of Anne Frank

Stories of communities forced into confinement, living under constant external danger.If you were captivated by the tense, confined world of The Diary of Anne Frank, explore more movies about groups forced into hiding or isolated survival. These films share a high-stakes atmosphere, a steady, anxiety-inducing pacing, and an emotionally heavy journey of clinging to hope in desperate circumstances.

claustrophobictenseanxiousoppressivehopefulsombersurvival

Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a linear, steady progression marked by the passage of time within a limited space. The plot is driven by both the ever-present external threat and the internal dynamics and conflicts that arise among the confined group. Character arcs focus on resilience, despair, and the erosion or strengthening of human bonds under extreme pressure.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared setting of forced confinement and their dominant moods of tension, claustrophobia, and anxiety. They all explore the psychological effects of living in hiding and the fragile nature of community when survival is the only goal.

Personal stories of hope during tragedy like The Diary of Anne Frank

Personal accounts of finding light and humanity during times of immense tragedy.If you appreciated the bittersweet perspective and historical weight of The Diary of Anne Frank, discover similar movies based on true stories or diaries. These films balance heavy themes of war and loss with a deeply personal, often hopeful, viewpoint that finds humanity and light amidst the darkest chapters of history.

hopefulmelancholicsomberhistoricaltragicinspiringheartbreaking

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is often straightforward, following a chronological record of events as experienced by a specific individual or group. The emotional journey is central, unfolding through personal reflections, diary entries, or letters that document the erosion of normal life and the persistence of hope, love, and intellectual curiosity against a backdrop of systemic horror.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their bittersweet tone, their basis in real-life accounts of historical trauma, and their focus on a personal, often youthful, perspective that serves as a beacon of hope. They share a heavy emotional weight but are defined by their emphasis on the resilience of the human spirit.

Unlock the Full Story of The Diary of Anne Frank

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Diary of Anne Frank in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Diary of Anne Frank is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Diary of Anne Frank Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Diary of Anne Frank, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Diary of Anne Frank Summary

The Diary of Anne Frank Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Diary of Anne Frank with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Diary of Anne Frank Timeline

The Diary of Anne Frank Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Diary of Anne Frank that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Diary of Anne Frank Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Diary of Anne Frank

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Diary of Anne Frank: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Diary of Anne Frank