Beautifully told and enacted

Rating: 8/10 (4 March 2011)

This, in essence, is a simple story told in a very matter of fact manner that doesn't insult the viewers intelligence. From the opening to the scene it is spellbinding stuff and if the viewer were to watch the film for what it is, which is a coming of age romance with an emotionally stunted woman who has somewhat lost her humanity, and that includes the losing the emotion of love, then it is indeed a brilliantly told film. What makes this film so emotive is the subject matter that resonates most of the way through the film, namely the holocaust. The film doesn't pretend that this is secondary in any way shape or form, it's just that the main story is of two people, one lady, who has lost her way in life in terms of emotions and primarily one boy (often referred to as 'kid' by the older lady).
As much as the holocaust and anything associated with it sickens the senses, the fact that it is one of the subject matters of this film associated with one of the leading characters doesn't necessarily mean this need be considered a holocaust movie - in fact it's not! The subject of the holocaust is respectfully dealt with and I think they've done a good job with the subject matter.
In fact, I really enjoyed this film and it was a joy for me not have all the buttons pushed when they could so easily have gone that way.
All in all, watch it folks, if you love movies I think you'll love this for what it is!