Mystery, young love, law and war work together surprisingly well

Rating: 7/10 (8 January 2009)

This film works for me because of the way it unfolds like a good mystery story, so that at the end you can look back and say "Ah, that's why so-and-so happened". It's not a mystery-story plot, though, more of a tear-jerker, though for reasons well removed from the usual "I love her, she doesn't love me, smoke gets in your eyes" plot-line.
The film cleverly mixes themes of war horror, law, young love, and self-development. I can't think of another film that is similar to compare it with. Recommended for anyone who likes thinking over films after seeing them, doesn't mind nudity, and likes films about character development ... this isn't a film of non-stop action or spectacular explosions.