Absolutely extraordinary. A multi-layered, nuanced murder mystery that plays with and against all the stereotypes of war, occupation, resentment, fear - and love. The Nazi occupation of Poland and persecution of the Jews is far more than a backdrop to this intriguing story of a lawyer who helps a Jewish student to hide in full sight of the occupier. Instead the occupation is inextricably bound up in the plot, though it is handled with such deftness and skill that it neither dominates nor is its horror diluted or trivialised to add depth to the story. Black Mercedes, a drama told in a lower key, with only occasional but often brilliant changes in pace and tone, is a quiet, beautifully directed, daring but subtle masterpiece of the genre. Highly recommended.
