Despite it being set in a prisoner of war camp, it did not solely feel like a Holocaust movie at all. It was more about human morality and necessity.
Also, the style of camerawork is quite unique and makes you feel like you are right in the middle of it all. The effectiveness of that gives the film legs and real meaning compared to most war dramas. The production value is very impressive. It almost feels like a documentary, or the makers just went back in time and landed in the middle of the Holocaust.
It is definitely one of the best foreign language films of 2015. On initial reaction, I did not think the story was that intriguing. But eventually I was growing into it. However, I was more impressed with the performances and the look of it.
All the performances were great. They felt genuine and fitted in the tone and setting so perfectly. Obvious praise goes to the lead played by Geza Rohrig who was great as Saul. The mix of innocence and drive of his character was great to see develop before our very eyes.
The technical qualities this film has I was not expecting to be so strong. I liked the claustrophobic style of cinematography. It showed the brutality of the concentration camp really well. It truly feels like hell on earth.
I would probably not have given this the Oscar, but there is still a lot to like about it. It felt like what a prisoner-of-war film should, gritty, visceral and hard-hitting at times.
The story structure will have you having to fit all the piece by yourself. There is certainly no spoon-feeding in this story.
For this particular screening, I got to see this in 35mm. If you not aware of this, this is the old format that films used to be presented in. Then it went to 70mm, and now it is digital projection. If there is one near you, be sure to see in a format that fits in well with the period.
Rating: 8/10
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