Out of the Cold

Although it was rather good film and I had an opportunity to play a role of political prisoner, who is sent to Siberia, it had some historical mistakes. The events take place in 1939-40, the SS woman to whom another viewer refers is absurd. There were no Germans in Estonia at that time. Estonia was liberated from Soviet occupation in July 1941, when first German troops arrived.

This may seem only a minor detail, but if you are making a historical drama, then do pay attention to all details and historical background.

Even the wonderful little story couldn't save this terrible mess of a film. It's as if the director wanted this film to be a B movie. It's got all the formulaic features of a great straight-to-video B movie: Choppy editing with cheesy music thrown in here and there. Actors sitting in a bright and evenly lit rooms spitting out not-so-clever one liners. And most of all, a street savvy yet sleazy male lead.

I don't understand why the director wanted the main character to be portrayed as a cocky and selfish little bum. He's so unlikable that you never understand why his love interest spend her life away to wait for him.

If I have to come up with one reason to watch this film, I'd say, watch it for Mia Kirshner.

a really terrible film that goes nowhere quickly. Though it's nice to see Keith Carradine in a starring role (when was the last time that happened?), the film is truly misconceived in everyway. The only question is: why did so many "name" actors choose to be in this film. The story is idiotic at best - an Estonian Jewish tap dancer in the 30's whose career on Broadway has dried up goes back to his family's country, Estonia, to perform in a nightclub owned by Judd Hirsch. He falls in love with a girl (played by the wonderful Mia Kirschner) and falls into trouble with the Nazis. As a period piece goes the film is a clumsy mix of attempted humor and drama that isn't dramatic. Our tap dancer hero is completely unlikeable and his motivations don't make much sense. That's all well and good, but the film itself doesn't make much of an impression. What were they thinking?

I must admit, I would willing watch Mia Kirshner read the phone book. This movie is MUCH better than that. Sad, poignent it is a faithful retelling of some of the worst humanity has to offer. As I have told both my nieces -- Rent it! Sit down and watch with your boyfriend! If he doesn't start crying at the last scene, kick him in th nuts & leave!

I was impressed how the screenplay of probably fictitious story can be full of really true details of war and Soviet camps. Lots of people lost everything in wars. And all people always should remember it. This movie reminds me "Enemy at the gates".