The Railway Man (2014)

Eric, a middle-aged British man, is still suffering from his time as a prisoner of war. In effective flashback, we get to know the younger Eric and witness his bravery in coming forward to take the sole blame for a contraband radio receiver. When he discovers decades later that his torturer is still alive, he feels driven to make the trip to confront him.

This based on fact story was truly affecting. I was blown away by the long arm of pain -- how it can persist through decades -- as well as the power of honest confession and true forgiveness. The truth that we are all human and often on the wrong side of things (especially when it comes to nationalism and religion) is highlighted to great effect here. It's a thoughtfully-made and hopeful film.

B