I hate to be condescending but the first few minutes were an important plot device. Please try imagining killing a young boy with your bare hands regardless of the circumstances. Imagine a man seeking absolution while condemning and punishing himself all the while. And are you ready for this: He wasn't necessarily even homosexual. Yes, this film is a psychological horror/drama!
By our reviews some are affronted by the handling of the subject matter and feel it makes the film outdated while forgetting this is a period piece. If you'd like to be transported back to France a few years after the war and are interested in the people of the period then you may appreciate the film as it is presented.
The great Rod Steiger was a craftsman who sought out the most thought provoking scripts and, as a twist, brought out the best from his directors. If you didn't appreciate "The Pawnbroker" you might certainly avoidt "The Sergeant".
By our reviews some are affronted by the handling of the subject matter and feel it makes the film outdated while forgetting this is a period piece. If you'd like to be transported back to France a few years after the war and are interested in the people of the period then you may appreciate the film as it is presented.
The great Rod Steiger was a craftsman who sought out the most thought provoking scripts and, as a twist, brought out the best from his directors. If you didn't appreciate "The Pawnbroker" you might certainly avoidt "The Sergeant".