Out of the Cold

My name is Irina Ginzburg and I'm professor emeritus at the Undergraduate Department of Film and TV at Queens College. In September I had the great privilege of seeing "Out of the Cold", directed by Sasha Buravsky, at the Montreal Film Festival. All I can say is that it is one of the best, most beautifully realized motion pictures I have seen in a long, long while. The writing, production design, costumes and music are fist rate. But what truly stands out is Sasha Buravsky's masterful direction. A veteran Russian playwright, Mr. Buravsky was able to convey a heartbreaking feel of awe and dread, and using his august sets and the atmosphere of the world gone wrong, he fused art and commerce in such deft, delicate way that all I can say is… "Go west, young man! You'll have a great career in Hollywood!"

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?

After I saw this movie I thought it was good for a number of reasons. As a World War II buff I was interested in the war aspect. It was enlightening to see the viciousness of the Russians portrayed during and after the second world war. I got a kick out of Keith Karradine sticking the hand of the sultry female SS agent down his trousers. All to prove if he was circumcised or not. It also reminded me of the Richard Burton film, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold as the post war scenes were similar. Women will find the romance angle of the movie just as interesting as I found the war part. Great cast and terrific production values.

I must admit this - the movie is beautifully made and the chosen locations look really wonderful. That's all. The story is ridiculous and cheap, rather 'soapy'. But what angered me the most was changing the facts. At that time Estonia had already been annexed to SU and Konstantin Päts was no longer a president (because that guy in the car couldn't have been Vares-Barbarus). The tricolor flags were no longer in use. The German army came only later, during the war. etc, etc, etc People might say that this movie at least lets the world know about Estonia, but I don't really see the need for telling pseudo historic lies. Estonia's real history is so much more exciting and touching than that, and as for soapy stories, well, you can fit them in practically anywhere. I gave it 1, but I could have given it a -1 if it had been possible.

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!