Stalin would have been quite ashamed of the commitment and virtual loyalty of his subjects if he had seen this movie. Unmistakably Russian, "The Thief" is one of the best movies of 1997. Set in the trains and various cities of the former Soviet Union, and almost enchanting through the immaculate acting of little Semya (Misha Philipchuk) this beautiful movie is worth every dime. And the moral? "Never trust a stranger, but nevertheless, if you find a father, don't let him go".
