I did what they say you never should do I judged a movie by its poster and was very surprised!!

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2007)

I've never watched a foreign language film before and I would certainly never have watched this one, had I not been drawn to the poster for it. (I think it was something to do with the quiet determination on Carice Van Houten's face). Anyway, I'm glad I took the plunge.
Much has been made of the constantly twisting plot, so I'll try not to go into to much except to say that it's nice to watch a film where, you have to think while you watch. Much has also been made of the scene in which Rachel/Ellis dyes her pubic hair. Some say that it is over the top and unnecessary, while I agree that it is over the top, I think that it is a necessary scene because it shows the lengths Rachel must go to just keep her 'head above water'. The acting is universally superb, and as such I found myself being totally immersed in film which would have normally left me cold.
Overall this is a brilliant film which bravely tackles a very difficult subject in a complex, yet subtle and thought proving manner. I urge everyone to see this this film, just to see a different side of World War II.