I find this to be one of the most rewarding movies that I know. The setting in time, beginning of 20th century, is a defining moment in history and this is interestingly depicted here. Maybe over dramatized in some case, but one can really feel the tension in the air of the great Habsburg empire during the final stage of its disintegration. This - serving the greater good of the empire - is set off against the personal ambitions of Colonel Redl, whose role is magnificently played by Klaus Maria Brandauer. What will this bring him? That'ss the haunting part of the very last scenes where you can genuinely feel the conflict he needs to resolve. As always this is a core theme of Szabo's movies and this is wonderfully brought to life here.
Review of Colonel Redl
