The Execution of Private Slovik

Sad and powerful story, well-acted and gracefully shot with a haunting wintertime atmosphere.

One of the first honest-to-God good TV movies. Well-acted, authentic, and richly detailed

This TV movie was considerably harrowing for its day, quite gripping although 90 percent of its success lay firmly on Martin Sheen's shoulders. This and BADLANDS made Sheen into one of the stars of his generation.

Intelligent teleplay, powerful performances, and sensitive direction.

I think taking us outside of our moral, political and existential comfort zone is part of cinema's calling, which lends this movie its importance. It also paints an interesting portrait of the condemned, and seems honest in its presentation of the military and the unique circumstances. Martin Sheen handles the role well.