Genre: Film
Grade: A- to C+…this is a tough one…..
Notable People: Geza Rohrig, Directed by Laszlo Nemes
Title: Son of Saul
Review: Whoa- this is as serious film. Hits the ground running at Auschwitz in 1944 and never lets up. Probably safe to say this may be the most hit you-over-the-head concentration camp experience yet portrayed on film. Despicable, hopeless , grim, overwhelming. I barely took a breath for the entire two hours. There is no single uplifting moment in the film, nor much of a redeeming character. The main character, played with amazing grace by newcomer (and non-actor) Rohrig almost becomes sympathetic but is so driven and despairing it is hard to like him much. The striped and numbered people treat each other almost as badly as the filthy Nazis. It’s all unimaginably horrific- which is why we need to think about it. If you are a film buff, this is a must see A level film. If you are a more casual movie-goer and mostly seek entertainment- stay home…you’ll probably hate it.