Out of the Cold

Although it was rather good film and I had an opportunity to play a role of political prisoner, who is sent to Siberia, it had some historical mistakes. The events take place in 1939-40, the SS woman to whom another viewer refers is absurd. There were no Germans in Estonia at that time. Estonia was liberated from Soviet occupation in July 1941, when first German troops arrived.

This may seem only a minor detail, but if you are making a historical drama, then do pay attention to all details and historical background.

a really terrible film that goes nowhere quickly. Though it's nice to see Keith Carradine in a starring role (when was the last time that happened?), the film is truly misconceived in everyway. The only question is: why did so many "name" actors choose to be in this film. The story is idiotic at best - an Estonian Jewish tap dancer in the 30's whose career on Broadway has dried up goes back to his family's country, Estonia, to perform in a nightclub owned by Judd Hirsch. He falls in love with a girl (played by the wonderful Mia Kirschner) and falls into trouble with the Nazis. As a period piece goes the film is a clumsy mix of attempted humor and drama that isn't dramatic. Our tap dancer hero is completely unlikeable and his motivations don't make much sense. That's all well and good, but the film itself doesn't make much of an impression. What were they thinking?

After I saw this movie I thought it was good for a number of reasons. As a World War II buff I was interested in the war aspect. It was enlightening to see the viciousness of the Russians portrayed during and after the second world war. I got a kick out of Keith Karradine sticking the hand of the sultry female SS agent down his trousers. All to prove if he was circumcised or not. It also reminded me of the Richard Burton film, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold as the post war scenes were similar. Women will find the romance angle of the movie just as interesting as I found the war part. Great cast and terrific production values.

I think this is an OK film. Americans really don`t know much about Estonia or even worse - absolutly nothing. Even the step-dancer in the film said "Estonia - where ever that is". But this film has a greater idea - to tell the world that we are here! Estonia has had had a tought history. About a thousand years ago we lived here near The Baltic sea, Estonians were great sailors. Then the germans came and after a great war, we were put into slavery. 700 years later we were occupied by russians. And in 1918, when there was a revolution in russia, we became independent. but not just so easly - after a great war, The War of Independence. Then we lived happily for only twenty years. Then came the time this movie talks about. The russians just occupied us. And about 40% of our people were sent to Siberia or killed. We were occupied until the Soviet union fell in 1991. The historic background of this movie is absolutly correct. The American actors are nothing special, never heard of them. but there are the best Estoinan actors acting in this movie. Sorry, that in such a small parts. They should have been given bigger parts, all the Estonians in the movie should have been Estonians. And if the script would have been also more Estonian-like, this movie would have been perfect.

I must admit, I would willing watch Mia Kirshner read the phone book. This movie is MUCH better than that. Sad, poignent it is a faithful retelling of some of the worst humanity has to offer. As I have told both my nieces -- Rent it! Sit down and watch with your boyfriend! If he doesn't start crying at the last scene, kick him in th nuts & leave!