Set in Hungary just before and during World War II, this standard drama seems geared to primarily Magyar audiences and also has a limited scope -the life of its main protagonist, a conservative, entrenched militarist. The Major (Miklos Gabor) who is the focus of attention starts his career under the dictatorship and continues in his profession regardless of any corruption or other immoral conduct on the part of the powers that be. The perspective on his story both before and during the war years ends up being a pro-Russian viewpoint that may not have been shared by all Hungarian viewers at the time this film was released, though the criticism of a blind militarism can be readily accepted by most people.

~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide