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At first I thought this film would be the usual war film in total line with the politburo's view on The Great War. But after 15 minutes in the film, something changes. First we have a scene in which Sokolof (the main character played by director Bondarcuk)) comes home drunk - something I have never seen in an older Soviet movie, than the war breaks out and after a slightly over the top scene in which Sokolof says goodbye to his family all hell breaks loose. The scene where Sokolof drives his car filled with ammunition across the frontline is incredible, and this is only the beginning of the war. Although the story sometimes is quit melodramatic, the photography of the film is exceptional modern for a film made in 1959. In beautiful black and white the viewer witnesses the whole damn thing called war. The film is not as heartbreaking and in-your-face as Come And See by Klimov, but Klimov must have seen this film and used it as an inspiration. Russia lost 20 million people during the second world war (some because of Stalin) but what it meant for and how it changed the life of ordinary people is all to clear in this story. This man's fate as he calls it. Although the film, I suppose, is rare, see it if you ever have a chance.

Jeff Stryker's 'bratwurst' is tickling everybody's fancy. All the guests at a Hollywood hotel have all sorts of fantasies set in motion at the sight of Jeff. We have a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like, a leather-man with a little white dog and the hotel-owner's mother all craving for Jeff's flesh, but the ultimate fantasy is played out at the Christmas dinner table.

Can I Be Your Bratwurst is a very funny short. Rosa von Praunheim knows how to make a film work and this time it's fun.

By viewing the life and times of Ruth, you experience a century of gay black history through interviews with Ruth and recreated scenes of this inspiring woman's past. From her first crush on her high school gym teacher in 1917 (!) to the last time she had sex (at 95) and everything in between. With girlfriend ‘Babe', Ruth bought a house, which provided a meeting place for the black gay community in the Midwest in the 40's, 50's and 60's.

You will cry watching this documentary. Nowadays, with so many gay and lesbian youngsters out and about, it's worth reflecting on and honoring those who made it possible. Ruth Ellis is a exceptional person and deserves to be watched and listened to.