My husband and I borrowed this film from our public library because we were working our way through their extensive foreign film section. I normally enjoy historically accurate fiction, as well as documentaries, so this was the next pick, and we brought it home. Now, I have to mention that our daughter, who at the time was 12 also watched this with us, which is quite normal, as we all enjoy foreign films. And, we have seen sorrow and we have seen pain,both in our own lives, and on the big screen, but never wrapped up so closely together as to keep our jaws continuously dropped and our eyes so wide open with angst. I cannot honestly admit to loving this film because of the anguish I felt during and afterward. Our daughter gave up and left the room because it was too sad. My husband tossed folded laundry our home theater screen, and I...well...I began to scratch myself all over, convinced I had fleas or mites, or some other European infestation from the 1800's.
I have no desire to watch this film again, yet I feel compelled to. I will use it in a film course I teach and try to remember not to scratch. I recommend this film to anyone who has a comfortable life, anyone who works in an office and avoids all contact with abject poverty and loss, and especially those interested in pre-industrial culture, 19th century farm work, and above all else, discrimination issues faced then and today.
I have no desire to watch this film again, yet I feel compelled to. I will use it in a film course I teach and try to remember not to scratch. I recommend this film to anyone who has a comfortable life, anyone who works in an office and avoids all contact with abject poverty and loss, and especially those interested in pre-industrial culture, 19th century farm work, and above all else, discrimination issues faced then and today.