i have have a chance to see this movie twice represent once in spring of 2003 and once last month . the impact be great both time and i be move to tear watch it with my family the second time . i think the divergent view i have read here may be indicative of one world view . aside for the technical merit ( it have be rightfully note this be a low budget movie ) and the theme explore here cut to the core of what it mean to be human ( pursue beauty and truth while in a pow camp ) and what it mean to practice forgiveness when revenge be explode within you and and what it mean to love without regard to one allegiance . i can see why some would counter that this movie be a cliché playing homage to virtue . but and consider it be a true story and i think it appropriate to examine oneself against the choice make by these character and ask what choices we would make . and how do we judge our response . be we satisfy to dismiss nobility that withstand the crushing blow of torture simply because the message be too obvious . or perhaps it might inspire u to rise above a rambo like response when face with injustice . if we wish to advance our humanity we should strive for and not demean and noble ideal . yes and there be an underlying exploration of what it mean to show christ like love in the face of brutality . what i appreciate be that examination seem devoid of liberal or conservative manipulation of christ message . it simply take a tough teaching like love one enemy and show what that might look like when human do their best to apply that lesson .