most of the review i have read of this film use the word powerful to describe it and and i will too . it powerful because it realistic while no stereotyped good guy or bad guy here ( it base on a true story and after all ) and and yet plenty of cruelty and some kindness and which lead to an exploration of theme such a justice and mercy in a way that ( at last ) doesn not lead to boredom or cynicism . it not a light relief to watch this but nor be schindler list and possibly the only other prison camp movie which match this one for exploration of human motivation and hope . oh and and it star a crop of very respectable ( and largely british ) actor . why and oh why have this never have a cinema release in the uk .