jaroslaw99 I will admit I'm prejudiced because I adore Ben Silverstone but really, he is one of only a few actors who always becomes the person he is playing. Contrary to one other review, this was not awful, there were no wooden performances. I do agree that it spoils the movie a bit to open in 1950 and go backwards but this is only relevant if you realize who Phillipe Halsman was, which I assume most people including me, would not. Patrick Swayze was incredible too, an unexpected pleasure that he could do so well in a dramatic role. I'm not Jewish, but I don't think it can be said enough that blind prejudice & hate can have awful consequences for both the victims and instigators. The world never seems to learn this. PLEASE DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE - It was never explained why they cut off the head of the victim and presented it as evidence in court; nor why it was preserved for 60 years. Possibly since Halsman himself never spoke about it and probably he himself didn't know a lot of why the authorities did certain things ; the movie must have contained a certain amount of conjecture.

johnjoshua The 119 minute version, which the director actually edited (despite the distribution of a 102" version) is a fascinating tale of the strife between a father and son which leads to death and deep regret. Patrick Swayze is fantastic in this movie. He shows a side of his acting which proves how diversified he can be and how talented. Martine McCutcheon and Anja Kruse are also fantastic, as is Ben Silverstone. This film should be watched in the original, English version (there is tendency in Europe to dub everything that moves -- including pictures). This film shows how Austria was also involved in the rise of National Socialism as an architect of the movement more than its victim.

tojepravda An intimate look into a fascinating period of history. Not your average pre-holocaust story, but a rewarding exploration of a lesser-known case.Some of the performances were rather wooden, and the direction felt a bit awkward and TV-ish at times, but the story was gripping. A much different role for Mr. Swayze, as well. I didn't expect him capable of such a sobering dramatic performance.I hadn't heard of Halsman before, but am curious to learn more about him.I will definitely watch this again, though I can't wait for it to hit the big screen.

hesketh27 This mess just reminded me of one of those 70s pan European co-productions that were so prominent at the time. The characters inhabit a Disneyesque, sanitised version of 1920s Austria where everyone and everything is scrubbed shinily clean and everyone walks aboutwearing beautiful clothes. The story itself would be a good basis for adecent dramatic film but as soon as I heard the dreadful dubbed voice coming out of Heinz Hoenig's mouth I knew this was a stinker! Why does the film show Halsman alive and well in America in the 1950s spoiling any dramatic tension - we already know in the first 2 minutes of the film that he is going to be free, whats the point watching any further? (I personally didn't know who he was before watching the film) Why does Martine McCutcheon have to talk with that ridiculous American accent in a film set in Austria????????? All in all an unwatchable mess. Badly scripted, badly directed and badly acted. AVOID!!!!!!!!!