This seems to be a film that in its time was not appreciated but has somehow become more acclaimed as time goes by. I would say that the biggest problem in this film is inconsistency in mood. But perhaps that's the point that during wartime life has no consistency. The people of Anthony Quinn's Romanian village are living a happy life so it becomes a surprise to them when the Nazis invade and they are taken over.
Because Quinn's wife (Virni Lisi) rebuffs a local official, Quinn's name is added to a list of local Jews, and forced to work in an internment camp. He proclaims that he is a Christian, but nobody believes him, and the local Jews along side with him don't defend his claim, obviously feeling insulted and marginalized by what seems to be anti-Jewish sentiment, even though he claims that he has nothing against them. The film focuses on Quinn's desire to survive, even ending up as part of the Waffen-SS.
Lots of European war drama ends up being covered in this, and Quinn is in pretty much every scene. He strives to give a believable, humble portrayal, the character hating what he must do, and the pain of all that written on his face. It's not a "Zorba" performance for Quinn who is very quiet most of the time, even a bit simple minded. I enjoyed this for the location scenery and consistent action, found interest in the moral dilemma, yet couldn't help but feel that the film was lacking the element of a certain emotion that could have made this a lot better. It's nearly there, but not quite.
Because Quinn's wife (Virni Lisi) rebuffs a local official, Quinn's name is added to a list of local Jews, and forced to work in an internment camp. He proclaims that he is a Christian, but nobody believes him, and the local Jews along side with him don't defend his claim, obviously feeling insulted and marginalized by what seems to be anti-Jewish sentiment, even though he claims that he has nothing against them. The film focuses on Quinn's desire to survive, even ending up as part of the Waffen-SS.
Lots of European war drama ends up being covered in this, and Quinn is in pretty much every scene. He strives to give a believable, humble portrayal, the character hating what he must do, and the pain of all that written on his face. It's not a "Zorba" performance for Quinn who is very quiet most of the time, even a bit simple minded. I enjoyed this for the location scenery and consistent action, found interest in the moral dilemma, yet couldn't help but feel that the film was lacking the element of a certain emotion that could have made this a lot better. It's nearly there, but not quite.