Absolutely the worst movie.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

I first saw this film as a young girl. Even at the age of 13, the opening scene struck me with its stark depiction of numb survival. The game of chess comes to symbolize the crafting of a deception, and a murder attempt. A haunting mood permeates the simple, yet effective scenes--one can almost feel the sense of trauma and tragedy of Post War France.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and even somewhat shocking. This film makes no apology for itself--it presents us with a concentration camp survivor who is still in love with a narcissistic user, and we go on from there, somehow suspending all sense of disbelief in the face of masterful acting.

Actually the advertising gimmick was "No one will be allowed to LEAVE the theatre" once the "shattering" bath scene has begun - with an illustration of theatre doors being locked (I'm pretty sure that would have been against the law even then!). At the time this made me think the movie was a slightly highbrow gore thriller of the "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" or "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" stamp - if not far, far worse. Seeing the film years later . how on earth did anyone think up such a cheesy marketing gimmick for a respectable drama?

I just want to briefly agree with the previous comments here. I haven't seen this movie in over thirty years, since high school, but it stands out vividly in my memory. Intriguing story beautifully acted by three outstanding stars. Why do films fall by the wayside? I hope this isn't one of the lost films that we keep hearing about. I guess our only hope of seeing this now is if TCM broadcasts it....or if it becomes a Criterion DVD release. Criterion has been wonderful in giving us beautiful prints of rare or hard to find classics. If anyone hears of Return from the Ashes returning from the ashes (LOL) please post the info here.

I want this movie. I saw this as a child many times and this is my favorite movie of all time. Last time I knew it was going to be shown was when the Gulf War broke out and it never aired. I can't find it on video and it hasn't been on tv in 10 years. The plot, the actors, everything about this down to the black and white film was excellent. I have never seen another movie that I have enjoyed so much!