There's only one error here: filming in silly-accented English. Sure, it will have a much larger audience globally, but this somehow makes it so much less real, removing us from the story. Even so, the characters are compelling and movingly created, with understated acting and stunningly authentic production design, as well as terrific direction, editing and music. Roth is a magnetic presence--besides the posh British accent (he's supposed to be a Danish aristocrat or something), he gleefully overacts the sinister creep. But the film's heart lies firmly with first-time actor and real-life World's Strongest Man Ahola. As the story progresses, Herzog builds the suspense slowly, making the film feel very long and somewhat stilted. The Nazi threat is somewhat undermined by our knowledge of what was to come, all of which locks the film in the past like a fairy tale. But there are some realistic, scary themes at work here that make it worth a look.

adult themes

26.Mar.02