Bruce Frier

A deeply moving narrative of an Austrian farmer who resists conscription by the German army in WWII, and pays a heavy price for his beliefs. He is not a conscientious objector, but objects on religious grounds to serving in this particular war. His quiet commitment to his beliefs in the face of considerable pressure from his neighbors, the Catholic clerg, and the authorities is beautifully portrayed; the film, including its score, is outstandingly presented. Although the film suggests that his moral courage goes unnoticed, in fact the hero was later declared a martyr and beatified.

Brilliantly filmed and a truly exciting movie. The story is not complicated, but the swirl of images may make it seem that way.