8/10
Excellent, Understated Drama Based on True Story
30 November 2020
This is an excellent historical drama based on the real memoirs of Evgenia Ginzburg. Her daughter was consulted, as well, and is mentioned in the credits. I appreciated the understated, non-sensationalist approach to the story and the script. They didn't have to sensationalize anything to make the story horrifying.

Emily Watson proves again that she is an outstanding actress - she does a great job in this movie - academy award material. The other actors are also fantastic in their roles.

It is a rare movie that depicts real-life events that most of us would rather not re-visit too often. But the lessons of this movie, and the lessons of history, are important, and this ugly part of history needs to be seen and acknowledged by as many people as possible, so we can prevent similar events from happening again.

Franz Kafka, in his novel "The Trial," predicted the murders soon to come that were motivated by political paranoia, power-mad dictators, and bigotry. The inevitable, tragic results of the abuse of power are depicted bluntly in this movie. As unpleasant as it is to witness the events shown, it is also inspiring to see the true -life strength of will and character that enabled Evgenia Ginzburg to survive the ordeals she was forced to endure. May her memory be an inspiration for us all. Highly recommended.
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