Deborah Gilson

It's impossible for the healthy-minded to comprehend catastrophic acts of the opposite. My heart raced even while the terrorist prepared himself on July 22, 2011. Have your blanket handy and popcorn prepared before beginning this film. During the terrorist's unspeakable acts, I ignored texts and calls. I didn't move a muscle throughout the entirety of "22 July."

Ignore the egomaniac movie critic wannabes. I was spellbound from the opening scene by the characters' believable portrayals of their parts. They were physically enthralling and superb in their acting capabilities. I felt Moscow's brutally cold air, the terror for one's life and the desperate anguish of regretful betrayal. I wondered whether these events actually took place during the Cold War. Perhaps, these accounts are loosely based on reality? In fact, I watched "Despite the Falling Snow" twice and learned how much I missed by becoming too entranced during the first viewing. I won't be surprised to watch it a third time. You won't be, either.