Lasting impression

Rating: 9/10 (8 June 2003)

When the film was in cinema I couldn't see it, no time, too busy, not in the mood for "this kind of film", you know, the usual stuff.
Then it got Oscars and plenty of them. I thought, there seems to be something about his film. When will it be out on DVD?
It's out now. I rented it. First the DVD itself: 3 discs including music from the film. Congratulation. (There is just an audio commentary missing...) Then I watched the film. And the longer it went, the more I went with the story and its brilliant interpreter, Adrien Brody. For most of the screen time alone in front of the camera he delivers a stunning performance which is worth every single inch of the Oscar statuette.
Thankfully this film is showing things from different angles than other films do about the same time. This makes it unique and shows how fabulous a director Roman Polanski is. You sink so deeply into Wladislaw's life that you almost forget to breathe while watching.
Being German I also have to congratulate Mr Brody on his language skills. His German sounds almost flawless, it was a joy to listen to him!
Regardless of who you are, where you live, or what is your country's history, watch this film. You will get to see an excellently written and shot film with extraordinary performances by its actors. There are many films about WW II, this is one which no doubt will leave you with a lasting impression.