Son of Saul (2015) Review in 2025
Son of Saul is a 2015 Hungarian drama film directed by László Nemes, set in Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War II. The movie follows Saul Ausländer, a Hungarian-Jewish sonderkommando, as he navigates the brutal reality of the camp.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to its graphic content and mature themes, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical drama, war movies, or biographical films. It's a powerful and emotional exploration of the human condition, with a strong focus on character development and psychological complexity.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of Saul, who is tasked with disposing of the bodies of fellow prisoners in the crematorium. As he navigates the camp, he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding a rabbi to perform a proper burial for a fellow prisoner, which sets off a chain of events that puts his own life at risk.
Review Details
story9.50/10
The story is a powerful and emotional exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods in human history. The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking, with a strong focus on character development and psychological complexity.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with a strong focus on emotional depth and psychological complexity. Géza Röhrig's performance as Saul is particularly noteworthy, with a nuanced and multi-faceted portrayal that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
characters9.80/10
The characters in the movie are well-developed and complex, with a strong focus on character psychology and emotional depth. Saul's character, in particular, is a standout, with a nuanced and multi-faceted portrayal that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
direction9.50/10
The direction is masterful, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and atmospheric tension. The use of black-and-white cinematography adds to the overall sense of realism and historical accuracy, making the film feel both haunting and immersive.
cinematography9.80/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a strong focus on composition and lighting. The use of black-and-white cinematography adds to the overall sense of realism and historical accuracy, making the film feel both haunting and immersive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's powerful and emotional storytelling, combined with its stunning cinematography and superb acting, make it a standout in the historical drama genre. The film's exploration of the human condition is both thought-provoking and haunting, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in this type of film.
Cons
The movie's graphic content and mature themes may be off-putting for some viewers, and the pacing can be slow at times. However, these minor drawbacks are far outweighed by the film's overall power and emotional resonance.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know how to pray anymore."
"The only thing that's left is to find a way to forgive ourselves."
"The only thing that's left is to find a way to live with what we've done."
