Movie spotlight
Burning Secret
While recuperating in a sanatorium in the mountains, a young boy becomes very close friends with an older baron. But the baron is only using the boy to get to know his mother, the wife of an older diplomat. When the boy realises the baron’s intentions, he becomes jealous, moody and depressed.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in Vienna during the Anschluss, a young orphan named Edmund is sent to live with his uncle and aunt, who are Nazis. Edmund befriends a Jewish woman named Sonja and her child, whom he hides from the authorities. As the war intensifies, Edmund's loyalty is tested as he navigates the dangerous political climate and his growing affections for Sonja.
Critical Reception
Burning Secret received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its sensitive portrayal of a child caught in the turmoil of war and the performances of its cast, particularly Klaus Maria Brandauer. The film was noted for its poignant depiction of innocence juxtaposed with the horrors of the Nazi regime.
What Reviewers Say
A moving and well-acted drama about a child's perspective during a tumultuous historical period.
Praised for its sensitive handling of difficult themes and strong performances.
The film effectively captures the atmosphere of fear and moral compromise of wartime Vienna.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their consensus is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Stefan Zweig.
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