Cuckoo in a Dark Forest

This film is elevated to a four-star level by Oleg Tabakov, probably his best performance on the big screen. The decent script showcases multiple levels of thought and the remarkable contradictions in the value system of a Nazi officer. The film culminates in a raw finale of stoning in a POW camp. Another positive is the pleasantly short runtime, free from unnecessary digressions and sentimental fluff. The scenes in the sand dunes on the Polish coast also add authenticity to the film. Overall impression: 75%. (22/05/2007)