Craig S. (InnerMacro) from WAUSAU, WI
Reviewed on 8/13/2023...
A cinematized version of a true story. Prisoners of the WWII Sobibor death camp make a daring escape, notable for their effort to obtain complete freedom for all prisoners, not just those planning the escape. Although Rutger Hauer is featured as the headliner, he doesn't actually appear in the film until over an hour into it. Alan Arkin was the headliner when this movie was made in 1987, but he doesn't sell DVDs very well. The film has several faults, not the least of which is failing to show actual harsh conditions of the prisoners, but it does a very good job of demonstrating the systematic process of extermination of an entire population. The train yard scene at the beginning is long, but detailed and worthy of a documentary-style film. Like most British films of the time, the movie has a long build up with an explosive ending. As far as made for TV movies go from the 80s, this one is okay. The attempt at inserting a romance between Hauer and Pacula is out of place and underdeveloped, leading to some awkward moments in the film and broken pacing.
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