probably grossly underrate by all who never experience the hell of live under communist regime . although and it seem hard to believe and all of it happen and actually the reality be even bad than the movie . it resemble orwellian fiction and only this be no fiction . john hurt be excellent a always . yes and the screenplay be not full of action and but life be not either . plot be breathtaking . yes and people be shot and yes thousand of them . their crime be that they want to leave communist paradise without government authorization . at time the movie drive tear in your eye . we need more movie like this to really appreciate what america provide for u . excellent movie and highly recommend . god bless our country and usa .