A Different View of a Horrible Time in History - With Brilliant Performances, Intriguing Storyline, and Overall Amazing Film - That Deserves FAR More Credit

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2015)

"Child 44" is a different kind of movie that takes place in the 1950's, (1930's in early flashbacks) & in USSR, among the communism & reign of The famous brutal Dictator, Stalin.
As Stalin says "There are no murderers in Paradise ," and in a communist society - if you even mention it - you die. Hardy, a high-ranking Russian officer is given a decision among claims that his wife is a traitor ( played by Noomi Rapace, who has been a personal favorite of mine since 2011's 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.')
It's different but I really loved it; it's a mystery and a period piece of a time when any mention against Stalin's beliefs or even accusation of being a traitor gets you killed. I really like this take on the 'other side' of Russia, which teaches the brutal history of the USSR & times.
This movie flew under the radar and had harsh reviews from so-called professional 'critics,' but it seems many movies they look down upon are ones that become my favorite. I was sick when I began watching this & didn't think I could watch much of anything that night. However, this film drew me in immediately; I was hooked for the entire time (a very nice surprise and a rarity.)
It's based on the 'top selling' book in 2008 that won numerous awards & rated much more favorably than this film. Yet, I can't figure out why. I know, despite the critics who gave it negative ratings, there's been many who've countered with positive reviews of their own. I decided the same but it's far from the only reason.
I TRULY enjoyed the performance of every actor in this film. While Hardy continues to stand out, Noomi Rapace is just as impressive (if not more,) as they take on this case of murdered children in an 'Us-vs-the-world' mentality. Gary Oldman also delivers a solid performance, as usual. Yet it really is the 'on-screen' relationship & energy between Hardy and Rapace that leaves a great, lasting impression.
If you're Tom Hardy fan - it's definitely worth seeing. Even if you're not - if you enjoy mystery, period movies, crime/drama, history, action etc. - you'll love 'Child 44.' For all of those reasons - as well as a great deal more (that would give away spoilers) - I gave it a 10.