Backdrop preview The Only Way Out backdrop
The Only Way Out

The Only Way Out (1958)

Jan 01, 1958 1h 25m War

A group of partisans goes to destroy a German gas warehouse at Postojnska Jama. One of them grows distrustful towards the new commander, and it spreads among the rest of the squad. The situation culminates when the mentioned partisan remains cut off inside a cave.

Directed by Aleksandar Petrović

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Aleksandar Petrović
  • Vicko Raspor
Writer
  • Antonije Isaković
  • Stjepan Zaninović

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

The Only Way Out represents a fascinating example of War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Aleksandar Petrović brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1958, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Only Way Out took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 170 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1958, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Only Way Out shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Kokoda, which focuses more on action than character development, The Only Way Out offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Franz + Polina and Hart's War explore similar territory, The Only Way Out stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1958
  • Runtime: 1h 25m

Similar Movies