Son of Saul
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 18, 2015
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 163 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
120
Mixed:
23
Negative:
20
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
jrodfilmsFeb 6, 2016
a tough film to rate. its very bleak and depressing and for that the story is captured well, other than that the rest of the story can be summed up in a short film. good cinematography but can be very tedious to watch at times since ita tough film to rate. its very bleak and depressing and for that the story is captured well, other than that the rest of the story can be summed up in a short film. good cinematography but can be very tedious to watch at times since it mostly takes a first person view.… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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7
netflicJan 25, 2016
Another movie about Holocaust, this one is nominated for Oscar in the Best Foreign Movie category. This film is not for everybody. It is difficult to watch for several reasons. One of them is it depicts in graphic details most horribleAnother movie about Holocaust, this one is nominated for Oscar in the Best Foreign Movie category. This film is not for everybody. It is difficult to watch for several reasons. One of them is it depicts in graphic details most horrible atrocities that happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Even though many things are not shown directly, our imagination finishes the job. Another reason is that cinematography is on purpose jerky and chaotic to make an affect of being there. Sound track with screams, yells, moans, etc. complete the picture.
This is the hell on earth and you are in it.
The movie is very emotional at the expense of the content.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
NerdConsultantApr 21, 2016
I don’t feel much for this film in all honesty, I like it, but I don’t fully like it, it’s negatives are so glaring that I can’t say it’s a great movie. I should want to experience a harrowing drama that brings home the tragedy of theI don’t feel much for this film in all honesty, I like it, but I don’t fully like it, it’s negatives are so glaring that I can’t say it’s a great movie. I should want to experience a harrowing drama that brings home the tragedy of the Holocaust, but I am kind of left with something that when it focuses on what it does well it’s excellent, when it tries to focus on anything else it feels rather padded and overlong. However, my opinion is not shared by many people so there is clearly many people who thought this film was cinematic genius. I really want to share there opinion but I can’t because I’d be lying to you and myself . As it stands I can only recommend it to fans of Art House Cinema as I think they will get a kick out of it on its cinematography alone. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike this film because it’s tackling a difficult subject and it’s a sad film, far from it, I can definitely appreciate films that try to do that type of story telling and for the most part it works, but it has too many technical issues that I cannot overlook.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
hotfromcauldronFeb 5, 2016
In a quest to leave the earth with his humanity, a man’s obsession is the center of an unfocused peripheral view of the horrors of the Holocaust. Saul carries the movie on his shoulders and the audience on his back. Images we’ve onlyIn a quest to leave the earth with his humanity, a man’s obsession is the center of an unfocused peripheral view of the horrors of the Holocaust. Saul carries the movie on his shoulders and the audience on his back. Images we’ve only witnessed as black and white photos come to life- then death. Yet, within the chaos there is much confusion. And I felt less effected than I should have been. An event that must not be forgotten, yet a movie that never achieves that status.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
Brent_MarchantFeb 4, 2016
A decidedly troubling film to watch but one that triumphantly speaks to man's innate desire to preserve even a semblance of humanity amidst the most reprehensible circumstances imaginable. Geza Rohrig gives a moving, quietly powerfulA decidedly troubling film to watch but one that triumphantly speaks to man's innate desire to preserve even a semblance of humanity amidst the most reprehensible circumstances imaginable. Geza Rohrig gives a moving, quietly powerful performance as a man determined to give a dead child some dignity even when trapped by the horrors of a concentration camp. Filmed mostly up-close with hand-held cameras, director Laszlo Nemes puts viewers right in the middle of the story, allowing the audience to experience the gruesome, inhumane indignities firsthand while skillfully hinting at the horrors taking place at hand without graphically depicting many of them. The strongly visceral feeling this picture evokes is definitely not for everyone, but, for those who are willing to allow themselves to partake in a gut-wrenching yet utterly inspiring experience, this one should not be missed.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
EpicLadySpongeFeb 4, 2016
Son of Saul is enjoyable and also history-making that's actually better than what we expected. Have yourself learn history about the movie and you'll be on track on what's going on!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
foxgroveDec 18, 2015
Son of Saul is one of those important films that comes so steeped in the injustices and horrors of its history that one feels positively guilty about saying anything negative about it. This unique perspective on the holocaust atrocities hasSon of Saul is one of those important films that comes so steeped in the injustices and horrors of its history that one feels positively guilty about saying anything negative about it. This unique perspective on the holocaust atrocities has us following Saul, a Hungarian Jew, working as a Sonderkommando at Auschwitz/Birkenau. Here his daily work is to herd hundreds of his fellow race naked into the gas chambers and subsequently remove the bodies, effecting a clean-up of all traces of the horror. After one such routine a young boy is discovered, barely alive, having survived the gas. From this point in, although the boy subsequently dies, Saul becomes obsessed by having him properly buried by a Rabbi. The ambiguity surrounding whether or not the boy is actually Saul’s son casts the actions of the protagonist in a contrasting light, depending on viewer interpretation. It is precisely this unanswered question that causes confusion in the narrative which, in turn, has an overall detrimental impact.
The film’s style further distances. Told from Saul’s viewpoint almost totally, one watches intently but real emotional involvement is kept at bay. Long tracking shots, out of focus imagery and an in your face claustrophobic feel becomes somewhat overwhelming. Likewise, the frenetic and dizzying camera movements don’t always allow time to process exactly what is happening. I’m sure this is intentional and in keeping with the chaotic context but, as cinema it is frustratingly unsatisfying.
There are two standout sequences, however. The first, where Saul finds himself stripped naked awaiting execution and the second involves an escape.
Overall the film cries out to be seen (the critics seem to have been inventing superlatives for it). I just wish that I liked it as much as I appreciate it.… Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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10
roinujrinoDec 18, 2015
Son of Saul is an immersive experience of the most disturbing kind, an unwavering vision of a particular kind of hell. No matter how many Holocaust films you've seen, you've not seen one like this.
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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5
fungusgnatMar 15, 2016
Nemes’s film may be the best movie you won’t like seeing this year. Nemes does keep the horrors of the camp in the background, by keeping his camera’s focus no more than a yard or so from the lens, leaving the movement of people and bodiesNemes’s film may be the best movie you won’t like seeing this year. Nemes does keep the horrors of the camp in the background, by keeping his camera’s focus no more than a yard or so from the lens, leaving the movement of people and bodies in the blurry zone beyond the focal plane. This not only makes the movie watchable but also avoids sensationalism and affords the victims some privacy and thus humanity. What remains visible is ghastly enough, and Nemes achieves some memorable effects, particularly in a chaotic, nearly phantasmagoric scene lit by fire. (As I say, not an entertainment. And, like many other European films, shot and edited in a style that leaves me confused and weary.)… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
TributeManJan 24, 2016
Nie ważne jak dużo filmów o Holokauście widzieliście. Ten jest kompletnie inny.

Akcja filmu ukazuje 48 godzin z życia tytułowego Szawła. Od razu ostrzegam, że nie jest to film lekki, lub podchodzący do tematyki z dystansem. Jest to bardzoNie ważne jak dużo filmów o Holokauście widzieliście. Ten jest kompletnie inny.

Akcja filmu ukazuje 48 godzin z życia tytułowego Szawła. Od razu ostrzegam, że nie jest to film lekki, lub podchodzący do tematyki z dystansem. Jest to bardzo realistyczne ukazanie tego jak wyglądało masowe mordowanie ludności żydowskiej. Przez większość filmu śledzimy akcje zza pleców gł. bohatera. Sprawia to, że immersja w historie jest całkowita. Wielu rzeczy nie widzimy, ponieważ całe tło po za głównym bohaterem jest rozmyte (oczywiście nie całkowicie). Za to działa na naszą wyobraźnie zupełnie co innego - dźwięk. Jęki, krzyki, przekleństwa, rozmowy, strzały, itd. Jest to zaskakujący zabieg i bardzo odważny, ale w rezultacie obraz wydaje się być mocniejszy w odbiorze. Nasza wyobraźnia pracuje na pełnych obrotach.
Moim zdaniem jest to film wybitny. Obowiązkowy dla każdego. O historii trzeba pamiętać.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
shoulderoforionApr 29, 2016
As the Grandson of a survivor of Auschwitz this was an essential movie, it's a hard watch but a necessary one for anybody who doesn't know what happened there.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
DirigiblePulpFeb 1, 2017
I found the filmmaking style a bit grating at times. I love the conversation it starts, about the acceptable ways in which to experience the Shoah through art, but it also does feel like it's done as a way of exploiting the horrors therein.I found the filmmaking style a bit grating at times. I love the conversation it starts, about the acceptable ways in which to experience the Shoah through art, but it also does feel like it's done as a way of exploiting the horrors therein. Does this filmmaking style work if it isn't based on the Shoah? I don't know that that's easily answered.

It's also clear that the plot is a thin veil through which to take a tour of the horrors of the camp without directly dealing with them. It's ostensibly a fetch quest about an oft overlooked person (in historical accounts that is) in the camps -- the sonderkommando -- trying to bury someone who is or isn't his son. A reckoning with grief, and exploitation.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
LeZeeMay 4, 2016
Experiencing what Saul's seeing, hearing and undertaking.

The World War II is the largest source supplier for the war movies. I have seen numerous breathtaking braverism, as well as heartbreakingly suffering film characters which are basedExperiencing what Saul's seeing, hearing and undertaking.

The World War II is the largest source supplier for the war movies. I have seen numerous breathtaking braverism, as well as heartbreakingly suffering film characters which are based on the real and sometimes fiction. The genre too differs, from action, adventure, war to the comedy, romance, drama et cetera. Since the Academy Awards nominee announcement in the January I had an eye on this, but now it had won the Oscars that draw my interest even more on this. Anyway, finally saw this, so let me tell you what I feel about it.

It is no ones biopic, but inspired by a collection of testimonies of those who had made out alive from the Auschwitz. Like some of the WWII films, it is very unique, that focused on a particular event and a person. Saul is one of the prisoners in the Nazi held concentration camp who is a slave-labour. His job is to clean the place after prisoners were executed. One day he finds a young boy who was executed and soon he takes the responsibility to give him a proper burial. Risking his own life and others, he begins to find a rabbi to perform the last rites. So what happens later and how it ends is the remaining film.

It is not only enthralling story, but was very clever and unique filmmaking. In this whole film you will see one face at all the time in different angles and mostly they're close shots. Yes, Saul is everywhere, the camera never takes off its lens out of him. We would experience what he sees, listening and undertaking, more like in the real time. Just like a computer game where everything is from our (player's) angle, but here it is us again barely through the Saul's perspective. (Something like the upcoming Hollywood film 'Hardcore Henry' trailer I saw.)

Although, the movies are not the games, like I felt weird during watching 'Need for Speed', when Aaron Paul was at my place. And a movie always needs a character that can take us to the journey through the time and space where it sets, otherwise it will be called a documentary film. The aspect ratio was like the older day films which is narrow that takes time for us to get used to it, yet it is a colour film. More like the entire story is taking place within the 48 hours. Interesting pace and developments, and a decent conclusion. I think it deserved all the praise and prizes given to it.

"You have forsaken the living for the dead."

I know the seriousness of the film and its contents, but I could not avoid the laugh at the end scene. I did not want to, but I did it without my self-awareness after seeing the Saul's face. I hope, there are others too, like me in that situation. Yet the storyline was very strong, like how far would a man can go knowing the life is meaningless after what he's going through. That makes him to take a solo mission when others are struggling and working together for their freedom.

Since I don't know any language that spoken in the movie, I had no problem too to follow the movie. The 1944 settings were so realistic, I think everyone's hard-work was this film's result. All the performances were excellent, especially who played the Saul's role. That is the face no one is going to forget who had watched this film. However the real hero of the film was not the actors or the writers and the director, but the cameraman. Like I said earlier, he had done a brilliant job. If anyone wants to praise this film, he/she must begin with him. The cinematography award at the Oscars might have went to 'The Revenant', but the cameraman award is none other than this guy who shot this film.

I really liked this film, but not overly sympathised or enjoyed. Usually if any movie that's based on the real gets my favour, even the movie has been low quality with more than ignorable flaws. Because telling the truth to the world is what I consider is foremost important than trying to get benefit out of it. But when it's not factual, I expect whatever the cinematical options can make it a better product.

This film comes between them both, but leans mostly on the truth about the World War II prison camp. An insight of what the prisoners have went through. Painful to watch a movie like this, at a time I appreciate the filmmakers for giving this film and let the younger generation know a tiny dot of the incident of the WWII. To watch this film, no one needs a reason. It is automatically a must see, but after watching it, whether you liked it or not is an individual opinion.

7/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
shiftworkerNov 30, 2016
Hungarian holocaust tale. Father working in death camp tries to provide a proper burial for his son. Compelling, but bleak. Interestingly and effectively shot, with the main character in focus and the appalling events largely out of focus inHungarian holocaust tale. Father working in death camp tries to provide a proper burial for his son. Compelling, but bleak. Interestingly and effectively shot, with the main character in focus and the appalling events largely out of focus in the background.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
BroyaxMay 24, 2018
Il faut toujours aborder avec précaution et circonspection les "palmes" du Festival de Cannes ; il faut s'y préparer psychologiquement, il faut rester fort. Surtout avec un film hongrois non doublé bien entendu.
Remarquez, il aurait étéIl faut toujours aborder avec précaution et circonspection les "palmes" du Festival de Cannes ; il faut s'y préparer psychologiquement, il faut rester fort. Surtout avec un film hongrois non doublé bien entendu.
Remarquez, il aurait été doublé que ça aurait été un gâchis impardonnable : il n'y a rien de pire que de mobiliser nos meilleurs doubleurs pour doubler... euh un "truc" pareil. Bref, ça ferait mal au cul, comme on dit.

Pourtant, le sujet qui concerne les camps de la mort suscite évidemment une curiosité certaine. Mais souvent, la curiosité est un vilain défaut et on comprend pourquoi ici. Difficile donc de décrire cette "palme" mais nous tenterons néanmoins de le faire à nos risques et périls.

Le film est en 4/3 et le film est à 95% (ou peut-être 97%) filmé derrière l'épaule du rôle principal et on sent bien que pour les 5 ou 3% restants, ça emmerde le réalisateur de filmer autre chose que l'épaule de l'acteur ou sa brave tronche de prisonnier. La caméra suit donc à la trace le gars et garde la mise au point exclusivement sur lui ; de cette façon, tout le reste est flou... et pendant tout le putain de film, on ne sait pas ce qui se passe dans le camp parce qu'on ne voit que la tronche ou l'épaule du pauvre gars qui veut enterrer son fiston.

C'est donc pas regardable, ni au début, ni au milieu, ni à la fin. Et à part une scène précise (les exécutions au bord de la fosse) on pourrait se trouver dans n'importe endroit avec des prisonniers, n'importe quel camp de travail. Sauf que quand même ça parle allemand beaucoup évidemment et qu'on apprend la langue assez vite avec "ya wol et arbeit".

Le plus dingue dans tout ça, c'est que le film passe directement par dessus la tête et que son impact est réduit à zéro. Et pourtant, un camp de la mort, ce n'est pas une simple anecdote. Mais avec ce film réalisé par un demeuré, ça le devient et ça l'est. Et les débiles à l'asile de Cannes, ils lui filent la palme. Nous aussi, on lui donne la "palme" mais pas pour les mêmes raisons...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
DeanomiteJan 27, 2020
It won Grand Prize in Cannes (2nd place), and the oscar for foreign film, from Hungary. It is a visceral film, lots of closeups, very drab coloring. I can appreciate that he wants a burial for his son, but he seems blind to everything elseIt won Grand Prize in Cannes (2nd place), and the oscar for foreign film, from Hungary. It is a visceral film, lots of closeups, very drab coloring. I can appreciate that he wants a burial for his son, but he seems blind to everything else and seems selfish. It feels like it is filmed in a few long takes, that's always impressive.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
azhar_Dec 31, 2017
this movie is amazing, very beautiful, and natural, one of the best movie ever, very recommended movie to watch and to learning.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
dannzanetti69Apr 19, 2020
Excelente película sobre el holocausto. Muy recomendable. Cruda, pero se revive lo que pasó en esa época.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
SludgechapJul 20, 2023
Crushing and beautiful at times but the films freezes throughout its running much like the scenes of despair it creates, cold and numbing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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