BARRY ISAACS

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There are many quality, even brilliant films. But a '5 star' rating should be reserved for the films that will forever linger with you, reminding you in the most powerful, evocative way what it means to be human. 'Gloomy Sunday' does that. While the French, both in drama and in real life, continue to be in denial about their collaborationist, Nazi past, the Germans, ironically, are otherwise and Rolf Schubel's remarkable film (which I will not spoil in the slightest by telling you anything substantive about what you will see)looks at the reality of life in the '30s and '40s flat on without any hagiographical squint. I note that the principal German character depicted is based on a real person. The haunting, unforgettable title score, written by Hungarians in 1935, actually had the effect on people shown in the film. Not for nothing did Billy Holliday add a final, cheery stanza when she acquired the right to sing it. And Erika Marozsan is more stunning (if that is possible) than Elizabeth Taylor emerging from the water in "Suddenly Last Summer." No man could fail to fall in love with her. The poignancy of it all will not leave you.

I loved the entire trilogy. As someone who experienced an unrequited 'first love' only to find that love of my life ready to marry several years later almost by accident [or design], I have a great deal of empathy for the 2 main characters. The reviewer is right that there is wear and tear involved with couples living together. After 42 years of marriage to my one and only, I can attest to that.