Steve Zahn's performance is just as stunning as Bale. He plays Duane, the meek soldier who has been trapped for so long he has given up any dreams of rescue and hopes only for survival. He believes he must keep his head down. Zahn must make Duane's mental status ambiguous without making him scary. Zahn completely slips into a controlled insanity. Duane is Dengler's opposite but Zahn is Bale's equal.

Jeremy Davies, who plays Gene, is stunning. Gene, the perfect example of post traumatic stress disorder, is gut stabbing and tragic. Davies should be commended for a supporting role that will be a highlight on his resume for the rest of his life.

The rest of the supporting cast is equally amazing. The other prisoners, the guards and the other soldiers are all exceptional.

Rescue Dawn also has mind blowing visuals. Sometimes it is grainy, sometimes clear but always dazzling. Peter Zeitlinger's visual portrayal of this true story is exquisite. He has a strong understanding of how light and angle can be used for mood and to emphasis the plot points in a story.

Director and writer Werner Herzog should be credited with making such a touching and unique story. I can't remember the last time I saw a war movie that didn't rely on bombs or death for drama.

Rescue Dawn is based on the astonishing true story of German immigrant Dieter Dengler. Dengler has several movies made about his life. At first he hesitated to even talk about this experience in his life because he didn't want to besmirch the men in the camp with him or the guards who guarded him. In the end, he did agree to tell this story and I am grateful he did.

I loathed seeing another war movie when I went into the theater for this one. Boy, was I surprised. Such a good movie. Yup.