Is Son of Saul a Good Movie?
In my opinion, Son of Saul is not just a good movie, but a great one. Directed by László Nemes, this Hungarian film delves into the harrowing realities of the Holocaust, specifically focusing on the experiences of a Jewish prisoner named Saul Ausländer. The film is set in Auschwitz-Birkenau, and through its intense and immersive storytelling, it offers a unique and powerful perspective on the horrors of the concentration camps.
One of the standout elements of Son of Saul is the performance of Géza Röhrig, who plays the titular character. Röhrig’s portrayal of Saul is nothing short of extraordinary. In his haunted eyes, we see the weight of unbearable suffering, the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of unimaginable atrocities. His raw and riveting performance truly deserves superlatives. Through his character, we are able to connect with the harrowing experiences of the Holocaust survivors in a deeply personal way.
Nemes tackles a subject of enormous complexity in Son of Saul. The Holocaust is an event that defies comprehension, and attempting to capture its horrors on screen is a daunting task. However, Nemes approaches it with sensitivity, authenticity, and a unique artistic vision. The film is shot in a way that is both intimate and claustrophobic, using shallow focus and a narrow aspect ratio to create a sense of confinement and urgency. This visual style adds to the overall intensity of the film, immersing the audience in Saul’s perspective and making us feel as if we are right there with him in the camp.
Furthermore, Nemes’s decision to focus on one individual’s story within the larger context of the Holocaust is a powerful narrative choice. By honing in on Saul’s personal journey to give a proper burial to a young boy he believes to be his son, the film explores themes of grief, redemption, and the struggle to find meaning in the midst of unimaginable horror. Through Saul’s unwavering determination and his moral compass, we witness his desperate quest for a shred of humanity in an inhumane world.
Son of Saul is not an easy film to watch. It confronts us with the darkest depths of humanity and forces us to confront our own complicity in the face of such evil. However, it is precisely this unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust that makes the film so impactful and necessary. By refusing to shy away from the horrors of the concentration camps, Son of Saul serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities that occurred and the importance of never forgetting them.
Son of Saul is more than just a good movie – it is a masterpiece. Nemes’s direction, Röhrig’s performance, and the film’s unflinching portrayal of the Holocaust combine to create a deeply affecting and unforgettable cinematic experience. It is a film that demands to be seen, not only for its artistic merits but also for its ability to shed light on one of the darkest periods in human history.