These one-on-ones are the soul of the movie, as the men - in their former lives, a builder, a blacksmith, a tailor - affirm their belief in humanity and a better tomorrow.

Mr. Von Einsiedel is convinced that his subjects are "true heroes." Viewers will be convinced of the same.

The scenes of the rescuers in their off-hours show the long reach of the war, with the night's spent anxiously watching television news of the bombardment or phoning family and friends to make sure they're alive.

The picture that emerges is the reality of living through this intractable and unbalanced conflict, bringing home the scale of the international community's failure.