artqua This movie enthralled me from the beginning. The acting, across the board, is top- notch. Look for Ian Hart as a very different character than he played in the first Harry Potter movie (Professor Quirrell). I can't say enough about the lead characters. If you like learning about history, even the ugly parts, then see this movie. By the way, it is in English.

Bill Phillips Great to find an unknown movie as good as this. Emily Watson rocks. Very important true story of oppression and gulag life in Stalin's Russia. There's a real shortage of honest movies about Russian "crimes against humanity" and this one helps correct that problem.The origins of the film are very curious, however. It is listed as German/Belgian/Polish. But, the film is done with English actors, is spoken in English, and there is no effort from the actors to attempt a Russian accent in the English dialogue. It's pretty standard in English language films when set in continental Europe to make some effort at the accent of the country a movie is set in. Admittedly, people who really know Russian probably would find the effort irritating, but since most of us don't, the imitation sort of works.Other than that, this is a "not to be missed movie" that no one ever saw. But, that happens a lot. Some of the best movies never get seen. Go, Batman!

JohnLeeT Seldom in the history of cinema has a man or woman stepped before the cameras and stunned an audience senseless with a performance so powerful as that given by Ms. Emily Watson. The story is itself overwhelmingly moving and this is the only actor one can imagine taking on such a role and being more than equal to the challenge. Watson conveys the incredible suffering, resilience, and will to survive of the character she portrays with unflinching realism, heart, and soul. This is a characterization that will stay with those who view it forever. It is unfortunate this motion picture has not seen wide release and its fate is questionable because within it lives a towering performance by the finest artist of our time. Emily Watson will fill your eyes to tears, tear your emotions to shreds, and shatter your heart as she once again conquers the cinema screen as no one else can. It is an indescribably beautiful creative masterwork and anyone who sees it can not help be changed in a way that will renew their spirit of humanity for all time. It is difficult to remember any acting experience that has touched the audience so completely and so very deeply. Emily Watson once again achieves what no other actor is capable of, something almost mystical in nature, something beyond words, and impossible to describe for it is so spiritually astounding.

milanovak This is rather strange...how can it be possible: just one review!!! A great story about those who made it. Even so, it's still sad, very sad,in fact one of the saddest stories.E. Watson gave a great performance(as usual), both the directing and script were excellent. If there will ever be a Russian version of this film, I would go and see it for sure. The story has some amazing emotion high picks, and I must say, after watching something like that, similar to other great dramas, you feel relieved and lucky to be living in another era with all it's awfulness. You should watch it...it could make you better.