A Depressingly Real, Wonderful Movie

Rating: 9/10 (31 July 2003)

This is not a "feel good" movie.
The story of survival in war-torn Europe makes for a good plot and has been done many times. This movie has to stand out as one of the best. The acting is exceptional all the way through, especially by Alan Brody. The writing is exceptional - and exceptionally accurate - since it is autobiographical. All of the characters are richly portrayed and richly developed. There was no lazy writing or directing that fell back on stereotypes.
It felt like I was there - and man, was that depressing. I enjoyed this movie from the first frame to the last.