gruelling, but worth it

Rating: 9/10 (3 February 2003)

Polanski shows us genocide from the inside. We watch as his protagonist sees his world being blown apart. It is, as it should be, a grim experience, and just when it seems that nothing but desolation can emerge from it, the story turns. It's Shakespearean - the range of human possibilities, from merciless cruelty to the greatest nobility and courage, is on display. Almost every other film on the subject pales before it. See it - but don't expect an easy ride.