Although numerous films have been made about this period of European history, it was refreshing to see such an interesting and often quirky love story woven into the plot. The rising menace of the period is contrasted with exquisitely sensual scenes in bathtubs and beds. Although both the men are very different from each other, it is easy to understand what Ilona sees in them both. Her coolness and sensuality also make it credible that both men would rather share her than lose her completely. Tod is, as a result, extremely accomplished as both a piece of narrative and an evocation of an era.
German film has a variable track record in getting onto the international market.
This is one film which certainly deserves to have wider distribution. If it does attract internaitonal attention one can only hope that it does not suffer the fate of other European films, which are eventually bought by Hollywood and have all their poetic beauty replaced by a nice, safe, glossy sheen.