the film deal with universal theme and mention no specific country a it context represent it could happen anywhere and have and in substance if not form . those concern about 1st amendment issue and censorship and et al but do not want to be bore with lecture need art such a this to illustrate and dramatize and teach and inspire . rickman be certainly an under appreciated character actor while he shin in this film and show off multiple act talent that you must see ( i have yet to see him give a bad performance and though and even in not so great film ) . stowe give perhaps her best performance ( and prove that she possess one of the most striking pair of eye in hollywood ) in two word represent stun and convince . the set design perfectly match the situation and in function and mood . the sound edit heightens to appropriate effect . the total contrast convey through the animation sequence be a perfect symbolic device and the welcome and only respite to the bulk of the story necessary venue . the script be tight and essential and with engagingly dramatic yet realistic dialogue ( i. e. and a it might be and ought to be ) . perhaps the most amazing aspect to contend with be the fact that 1 ) this be the director first time out while and 2 ) he be the writer . in one phrase represent a tour de force with three recommendation represent see it and own a copy and see it repeatedly to fathom all it secret and grasp all it genius .