Russell Brown

COLD WAR Filming in black and white on a reduced sized screen captured the desired effect from the opening scenes. Showing destitute citizens in bleak stultifying conditions of the Stalin regime. Through ethnic music the story gradually focused on the two main characters and their doomed love affair that, despite unending and passionate commitment, finally failed to transcend the tyranny of the closed society of communism post WWII. Reminiscent of the classic The Unbearable Lightness of Being this film had equal power in its message. Effectively directed to create an atmosphere of hindrance, frustration and repeated disappointment, the screen play also used the quick and contrasting scene changes from quiet to loud, from slow to rapid movement to emphasise personal and cultural differences . And how about that contrast of cultures when we see Zula perform her traditional folk song as a torch song accompanied by Wiktor in the Paris night club? Says it all really. 4 ½ STARS