Clemens Forell, a German Army officer, is captured by the Soviets in World War 2 and sentenced to 25 years in a labour camp in the Eastern part of Siberia. For five years he endures enormous hardship but is determined to see his family again. One day he escapes, commencing an incredible, arduous, danger-filled journey. His former jailer and tormenter, Lieutenant Kamenev, pursues him and is determined to recapture him at any costs.
An incredible tale, based on a true story. At 158 minutes a bit long: the first hour or so, depicting Forell's imprisonment, the inhumane conditions he lives under and the brutality of the guards, is a bit of a slog.
However, once Forell escapes it is incredibly compelling viewing. Initially a pure tale of survival but once he meets people it's also a story of the better angels of human nature. Some wonderfully selfless acts.
In addition to showing Forell's trials and tribulations we see Kamenev's efforts to recapture him. This heightens the tension as we have a deadly game of cat and mouse. The final confrontation between the two is a bit cheesy though.
An incredibly emotional final scene rounds off a great movie.
An incredible tale, based on a true story. At 158 minutes a bit long: the first hour or so, depicting Forell's imprisonment, the inhumane conditions he lives under and the brutality of the guards, is a bit of a slog.
However, once Forell escapes it is incredibly compelling viewing. Initially a pure tale of survival but once he meets people it's also a story of the better angels of human nature. Some wonderfully selfless acts.
In addition to showing Forell's trials and tribulations we see Kamenev's efforts to recapture him. This heightens the tension as we have a deadly game of cat and mouse. The final confrontation between the two is a bit cheesy though.
An incredibly emotional final scene rounds off a great movie.