Train de vie

In 1941, as Nazi occupation looms over their Eastern European village, the Jewish inhabitants devise a desperate and absurd plan to survive. They decide to build their own train, complete with fake German soldiers and uniforms, to transport themselves to the 'promised land' of Soviet Palestine. The journey is fraught with both peril and unexpected humor as they attempt to outwit the very forces hunting them.

Train de vie received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising its unique blend of comedy and tragedy, its poignant exploration of Jewish identity and resilience, and its ultimately hopeful message. Some found the tone occasionally uneven, but the overall sentiment highlighted its originality and emotional impact.

• Praised for its dark humor and unique approach to a sensitive subject.

• Commended for its powerful exploration of survival and community.

• Noted for its poignant and often surprising emotional depth.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's original concept and its ability to balance humor with the serious themes of persecution and survival. Many found it to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

Won the Audience Award at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the César Awards.

The film's director, Radu Mihaileanu, drew inspiration from stories told by his own father about his experiences during the Holocaust.