This movie is amazing. Paradoxically, it's not about a transformation or metamorphosis of the protagonist - Brute. It shows, that through the prism of his bad deeds this man has feelings too - and they are good feelings. This "evil" man knows mercy - and finds himself lost, seeing the injustice of fate. Forced labor in an orphanage in Romania becomes a salutary for Brute. Ilana is his redemption, repentance, and sadly because of evil deeds of other people - she must die. Injustice pushes Brute to commit a crime and leave the shelter. But he will not leave alone.
The film is beautiful. It causes grief, sorrow, sadness, but also causes a sigh of relief. It shows how bad it can get, especially in shelters which are forgotten by God, some place in the world. I was outraged, watching this movie while sitting in a safe house, in a comfortable chair, feeling relaxed. It's not fair.
But this movie gives hope. And, by the way, Ilana's dance compensates all the unpleasant moments. It's worth to watch this deep, moving image.
Not mentioning the great Til Schweiger, whom you all should know from Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds". Young, strong and bad - girls should really appreciate him in this 1997 picture ;)
