The Third Man is set in post war Vienna. The war stricken city acts as a backdrop for the black market deeds that were rife in cities across Europe in the 1940's. The Third Man focuses on one of the perhaps more sinister events of this era.

The story is thick with themes of morality, survival and judgement. These were all topics that would have been on the minds of citizens everywhere in wars aftermath. when everybody was trying to get by. The political stanze of the film is played down alot but the structure for a debate on super powers is definately evident within the film. The city is split into 5 sectors russian/british/american/french and the international sector in the middle of it all.

It is evident that the actors and actresses that were chosen to play the lead characters were well thought out (this can also been seen in the extras in the dvd) For example the high and mighty Orson Welles playing the imoral blackmarket fiend. His personality shining through, his ego entwined with the character's.

i thouroughly enjoyed this film and suggest anybody who enjoys a 'not your average noir' to go and buy it.