Train of Life (1999)

Capsule Review
by Jeffrey M. Anderson

Can three movies make up an entire genre? If they can, then "Train of Life" is the third and perhaps the best of the "Holocaust Comedy" genre (that admittedly isn't for everybody), after "Life Is Beautiful" (1998) and "Jakob the Liar" (1999). "Train of Life" tells the audacious story of a village, led by village idiot Shlomo (Lionel Abelanski), that decides to evade the Nazis by building a train, disguising themselves as guards and prisoners, and deporting themselves. But instead of traveling to a death camp, they'll be crossing the border into freedom. As directed by Radu Mihaileanu, "Train of Life" plays like a lively farce, full of fun and life, but at the same time tainted with the horror of reality. Yet, there are virtually no gory images of Nazis or death camps. That terror merely hangs in the air. "Train of Life" is a delightful 'what if' story that gives Us a little power over Them.

(This review originally appeared on Bayinsider.com.)

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 4)