Disappointing

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2006)

I remember the excellent reviews when this film was first released and saw it for the first time this evening but was extremely disappointed. The second half of the film set in the concentration camp was innovative but absurd. The freedom with which the main characters were allowed to roam around with little or no control or obvious violence from the guards made the whole concept slightly ridiculous. Previous reviewers have correctly stated that this film is not meant to be historically accurate, which it obviously isn't. However to even suggest that the main character could have concealed the true nature of the camp from his son, by "the game" was ridiculous. There was no selection process when the train arrived in the camp which of course would have separated the father and son and presumably ruined any pretence of a story. It was so far separated from any reality I was expecting Disney characters to appear with jelly and custard at any time. Hugely disappointing !!