Really stuck with me

I'm with you all the way. This is one of my favorite films of all time. I've watched it about five times now and still can't get through the end without crying.

Beautiful is the perfect word to describe this film; it sums up every aspect from the script to the acting, to the breathtaking cinematography, this is a near perfect film. I think the aspect of the film I loved most was the development of the love that grew between the two lead actors. Slow, but genuine and intense with the message that there are many ways for two people to come to find that they love each other.

. I too am surrounded by cultural Neanderthals and so have no one who shares my foreign and old film passions. I was surprised to find this astonishingly beautiful and touching film, as it had never even shown on my radar. It shot straight to the top of foreign favorites, which is saying a lot since the top slots are occupied by some truly great films. But I think this has edged them out to take 1st place. There were few scenes that fell flat, or possibly that I didn't get the cultural context of, but that is true of all films made in another country and/or language....its setting and cinematography are breathtaking, and the leads could not be more ideally suited to the roles. This is yet another example of the gold to be found in films made outside the often arid pop culture of the US film industry...or made for another time, as in classics and silent cinema. The male lead character conveyed such a gentle kindness and selflessness that he slipped on into noble well before the end of the film….and reminded me of another lead in an Italian favorite, the character of Antonio in the lovely Italian film “Light of My Eyes”. It makes me wonder what kind of a nation the US would be if our film heroes were men such as these!!

It's actually a tragic story. So if you're not really into those kinds of movies, then I guess you made the right decision of not finishing it.

I totally agree with you, I can understand how sometimes people are not in the mood reading subtitles, i have those moments too, but most of the time I cant helping picking movies from all over the world, I feel sorry for people refuse to watch foreign movies just because they cant be bothered to read subtitles, because they are miss out, English is not even my 1st language, I have to use my 2nd language to understand the 3rd language, but that doesnt stop me watching them, isnt it just fancinating to see different stories, different ways of living lives, different cultures...this movie is beautiful, Im so glad I got it out:)

I just saw it for the first time an hour or so ago. Simply stunning.

The photography and the location were gorgeous, the characters well acted and believable, the score was beautiful and the story compelling. I found myself completely drawn into the village, as if I lived there.
It's a huge credit to the writer and director that the village was so thoroughly realised. The stories of the inhabitants were bursting at the seams, yet neither did any of them seem rushed or neglected.

I come from a Slavic background (I'm Australian) and grew up with stories from my grandmother about how and where she lived during the time that Zelary was set. Her family came to Australia during the war.

While she witnessed terrible events like those in the film and more, and most of her life lived under threat from everyone from her own countrymen to the Nazis, she also longs for the times past, the way they lived and her country. She often talks about the beauty of Europe through the seasons and its snow covered winters, something I've never seen. Watching Zelary brought the stories of my grandmother to life before my eyes.

Of all the sadness and tragedy in the film one part that really hit me hard was seeing the car driving through the now modern village. The world has moved on.

Perhaps after all this you might think I'm biased in liking it so much, but I'm confident it's not the case. It pleases me greatly that others can enjoy as much as I did.


~Timothy Ryan

I know what you mean, mehinemi. About half way through the film, I thought of this friend of mine who really likes sensitive romances and also historical dramas. I thought, "I'll loan this to him" (I got it on Netflix). Then I remembered: he won't watch foreign films because he doesn't like subtitles. (He also hasn't read a book since he quit teaching school 20 years ago. AND he hates reading instructions.)
Fortunately, my husband is coming home this weekend, and I am going to get him to watch it while I'm gone to a meeting tomorrow. I know he'll enjoy it and we'll have a good discussion. Otherwise, I'd be in your same position. It is always good to have the imdb option for sharing.