The Oscar-nominated foreign films “Son of Saul” and “A War” are showing at UNL’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
From Hungary, “Son of Saul” tells the story of Saul Ausländer, a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners isolated from the camp and forced to assist the Nazis in the machinery of large-scale extermination. While working in one of the crematoriums, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son.
As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task — save the child’s body from the flames, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial.
“Son of Saul” is rated R for violent content and some graphic nudity.
From Denmark, “A War” follows Claus Pedersen, a military commander stationed in an Afghan province, and his wife, who is holding everyday life together with a husband at war and three children missing their father.
During a routine mission, the soldiers are caught in heavy crossfire and, to save his men, Claus makes a decision that has grave consequences.
“A War” is not rated but viewer discretion is advised as the film features graphic content.
Both films show through March 3 at the Ross.
For more information on films at the Ross, click here or call 402-472-5353.
