Toyland (2007): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2007, Toyland is a drama and war film directed by Jochen Alexander Freydank, running about 13 minutes. “1942: what happens when a German kid believes that his Jewish neighbors are going to Toyland?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. On a winter morning, a mother goes to waken her son Heinrich; his bed is empty. She leaves her flat to find him. The neighbors' door, with a Star of David painted on it, is ajar, the furnishings in disarray, the family gone. She asks passersby, runs to the police then on to the rail yard. Flashbacks show that Heinrich and the neighbors' son Paul are six years old and best friends. Paul's family's deportation is expected soon; Heinrich's mother tells her son that they're going to Toyland. Heinrich wants to go with them, has a bag packed, and listens for their departure. His mother realizes he's joined them, and her resolve becomes more urgent. Will she arrive in time to save Heinrich?

Who’s in it. Toyland stars Julia Jäger as Marianne, Cedric Eich as Heinrich, David C. Bunners as Obersturmführer and Torsten Michaelis as Herr Silbertein, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, Toyland has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Toyland page.

If you liked it. Fans of Toyland tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.