As the Allies sweep across Germany, Lore leads her siblings on a journey that exposes them to the truth of their parents' beliefs. An encounter with a mysterious refugee forces Lore to rely on a person she has always been taught to hate
Shortland creates a palpable sense of atmosphere, and coupled with fluid camerawork and a verdant forest backdrop, Lore looks and feels a world apart from other World War II-set dramas.
Shortland's measured pacing and hypnotic visuals make this a mesmerising journey through a defeated landscape.
A rare take on the Holocaust.
This is an outstanding piece of work.
Australian director Cate Shortland's drama is overflowing with such poetic visual touches, conjuring up a fairytale landscape of long shadows, wafting curtains and waving fronds. And yet, as with all the best fairytales, there is a blackness and brutality at its centre.
Lore comes to realise that she has been betrayed by both family and fatherland, lending the film a fresh perspective on a time and country we thought we knew all too well.
Rarely has the coming-of-age of such an unsympathetic character been so carefully observed or so fascinating to see.
It isn't exactly a profound film, but Saskia Rosendahl's performance has considerable depth, and she interacts admirably with her siblings.
Haunting, mildly cryptic.
Cameo, Edinburgh from Sunday February 24, 2013, until Thursday March 14, 2013. More info: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Monday February 25, 2013, until Thursday March 7, 2013. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee from Friday March 1, 2013, until Thursday March 7, 2013. More info: www.dca.org.uk
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday April 12, 2013, until Thursday April 18, 2013. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com