This is just as much an interesting love story as it is a war drama. The film is intense and emotional, on both a romantic and dramatic level. The film also very effectively depicts the (unnecessary) cruelties of war.
Ulrich Tukur is excellent as John Rabe. John Rabe is both a leader and a follower, and a very humble and caring being. Although he gets credit for saving the Chinese, the idea of creating a safe zone actually came from his friend, Valerie Dupres (played by Anne Consigny), so she should receive equal credit. She also saved a bunch of soldiers, whom she hid within the safe zone without the knowledge of John Rabe.
If you are looking for a war film, keep in mind this is not a war film, but merely a drama set during the war. It is a very well made film, though, with some good visuals and good action scenes.
Ulrich Tukur is excellent as John Rabe. John Rabe is both a leader and a follower, and a very humble and caring being. Although he gets credit for saving the Chinese, the idea of creating a safe zone actually came from his friend, Valerie Dupres (played by Anne Consigny), so she should receive equal credit. She also saved a bunch of soldiers, whom she hid within the safe zone without the knowledge of John Rabe.
If you are looking for a war film, keep in mind this is not a war film, but merely a drama set during the war. It is a very well made film, though, with some good visuals and good action scenes.