I came to this movie with mixed opinions having read positive and negative reviews on IMDb. After viewing it, I am firmly in the positive camp. For me, Zwick has fashioned a movie with authentic atmosphere from both the natural landscape and the community of Jews who are the focus. The movie is well edited with scenes logically following each other. You feel the development of these people as a group of refugees in their own land and of the two principal characters (brilliantly played by Craig and Schriever) as they seek to resist the Germans.
I found that the script and direction balanced action and emotional involvement nicely. There are enough humanistic elements to allow us to identify with the characters. The action sequences are well handled and authentic. Overall, an involving and accurate portrayal of a brutal period in human history. It is timely to remember that such brutality can still appear in the 21st century.
I found that the script and direction balanced action and emotional involvement nicely. There are enough humanistic elements to allow us to identify with the characters. The action sequences are well handled and authentic. Overall, an involving and accurate portrayal of a brutal period in human history. It is timely to remember that such brutality can still appear in the 21st century.