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Thomasbuettner22
Reviews
Der Untergang (2004)
Being young is no excuse...... (Traudl Junge)
Every time during the past decades when we (Germans) got confronted with our past it came down to excuses like it was a different time, different mentality, different political environment. But I believe this movie has finally changed some serious aspects of these confrontations. I don't believe the movie is an admittance of responsibility; it is a display of reality and facts during this dark period of German history.
Still today, generations later, we get punished for our history and there is no denying it; BBC2 for example still allows some of its moderators to display an uncalled for sarcasm and I don't think any German citizen will find this "funny".
The movie is an outstanding piece of historical accuracy and displays the typical mindset of the Nazi Party and their leaders. Military recommendations that could still have saved thousands of Soldiers and civilians have been over-turned single handed by a man that had no regard for human life.
The interview with Bruno Ganz (playing Hitler) on DVD shows clearly the conflicts and reservations that most of the actors had. Bruno asked the question: "How can I display a man that is responsible for killing millions of people?" Only through great personal strength and psychological intense preparation was he able to pull it off. We need to understand that he is not just playing a bad guy in some fictional Bond movie; this was a real as it gets and he and the entire cast deserve the highest respect for not slipping up into the "lesser evil".
I am by all means no film critic but I know how my fellow country men felt over the past decades when confronted with German history during the Nazi period. So my hopes and wishes go out to people who are watching this must see movie with the result to closely observe a truthful piece of never forgotten German history - and perhaps draw some conclusions when applying judgment to anyone, not just the Germans.
One of the great messages of this movie is the display of psychological manipulation, so always be aware; it happened in the past and could happen again. Some people might disagree with that statement but just take a look in the mirror and consider the objectives in your life, and what would you be willing to do to achieve that? The Nazis where (bad) humans with a motive and the means to achieve their objectives. But so was Stalin and the communists and so is Osama Bin Laden......do I need to continue?
I give this movie a 10 for the acting and the political accuracy and I'm sure it will find a place in some school history lessons. If newer generations take valid lessons from this movie then it achieved at least one goal - it will make them think for themselves....and not just follow an idea with blind folds.
Delta Farce (2007)
Darwin would have had a blast...
Usually people say you can't improve on nature, well, wait until you punished yourself through this waste of celluloid. Larry, Bill, PLEASE stick with stand-up comedy and address the meaning of life from your Redneck point of view, that's more funny.
But I guess everyone must have a bad day in his career and unfortunately, it was Larry and Bill's turn. Quite honestly, I've seen funnier animal documentations on Discovery but this one here takes the cake. So don't expect any great acting from a Stand-up and somehow I feel sorry for some good supporting actors.....but a pay check is a pay check, right? My advise, re-plan the 90 minutes that you anticipated watching this movie on something more thoughtful - watch Meerkat Manor if you want some laughs.
The Italian Job (2003)
What part of "This is not remake" don't you understand?
I've never seen the so called "original" movie and I really don't care about it. This is a new generation of movie makers and their audience so keep your old grumpy opinions on your dusty bookshelf. Anyone who doesn't understand that Hollywood makings today are nothing else but marketing additions to products, is on the wrong planet. This movie shows life as it is today, short lived entertainment, Computer gurus, fast cars and tricked out sceneries that most people can't afford to visit. The Italian Job is exactly that, a couple of hours for your entertainment to shut off some brain functions and enjoy a wild ride to catch the price. Nothing more, nothing less. The Minis fit right into this picture, todays technology available for your pleasure, just need to buy one. All of these intellectual comparisons with the "original" movie have absolutely no value to me, even more so after the Director's statement that this isn't a remake. Can't we just drop it here and enjoy another little action story? Not sure how often this must be repeated: it's made in Hollywood - if I want something better or slightly intelligent I go visit the library and read Plato. But that is getting boring sometimes.
People are reading too much into movies at times; it is like art, politics or personal taste - a matter of opinion and not a subject of judgment, so take it or leave it. But don't downgrade some Directors or actors accomplishments, if they don't match your level - just smile and move on.
The Poseidon Adventure (2005)
I love this movie, bring more like this....
Yep, love it simply because it gave me more time to reflect and finally wash my car. I was forced to turn off the TV after 20 minutes of watching the lousiest remake ever, my stomach couldn't take it anymore. If you have 2 hours of time to kill then you are better off to get some ice cream, take a walk or watch birds, but not this movie. And if you've seen and loved he original movie then you'll be very, very upset and hope that "Das Boot" will show up and end this disaster with a Torpedo; quickly.
Should there be a small chance that any of the actors is reading this then: why did you sign up for the audition to take this role? Rutger, Peter, Steve, Bryan, anyone? Great names doesn't necessary mean you'll get a great movie, unfortunately.
Hogan's Heroes (1965)
As a fellow German......
....I can't express enough the laughters these pieces of celluloid has provided over time. Even Charlie Chaplin would surely have enjoyed the Hilter impersonations by Larry Hovis - hilarious ;-) And a "not so ideal German blond guy" like Sgt Kinchlow in a SS uniform? C'mon, you have to admit that just the idea deserves a round of applause. To hire an Austrian for the role as Lager Commandant Klink is ingenious as well, I highly respect Werner Klemperer for that (may God rest his soul in peace). If you are looking for the most contradictions in a series ever made, you've found it. But that says "nussink" about the real intention - short while entertainment with a touch of unreal insanity. Of course, it is a bit biased towards Bob Crane as the main character, but we can forgive that easy, as we would to Sgt Hans Schultz for never having a loaded Rifle on hand.
So Please don't read too much into the series, it was funny when it broad casted the first time and it still is today.
BTW: The German Airforce (Luftwaffe) had a code of conduct with all of their prisoners since they knew that their own captured Pilots got a break in allied Prison camps. So there is no real comparison to any other German Concentration camps or P.O.W. camps....in case you care about that ;-)
Apocalypto (2006)
Where did Mel get his History advisers from? It stinks!
Dear Mel,
A picture usually says more than thousand words, and unfortunately, some people believe in what they see here. So before you make another attempt to display a part of "Human History", Please get your facts straight. This movie is a slap in the face for every half way educated Person in regards to Physics, Astronomy, Human Physiology, Mayan and Aztec Culture and History.
I have been waiting for the DVD just to see the elaboration and comments in the special features; the how-to's and perhaps some Information about the idea and birth of this very typical Hollywood making. Well, instead of searching for a fitting jungle to make this movie, you should have searched in Libraries about the real history and time lines, a lunar eclipse in 3 minutes? The Spanish show up at the end of the movie? Please! Not to mention that our hero is bleeding for 2 days and still manages to out-pace and eliminate the bad guys - cute, but unreal. It's wrong, it's all wrong and there is no excuse for not making your homework if you attempt to capture history in some made up reality.
In the end it is just another piece made in Hollywood, so people should not expect of anything being accurate or close to the truth, again, unfortunately. And since I never took Hollywood seriously by any account, it doesn't really matter. So what's new on the mountain?
Sorry Mel, next time spend more funds on research and there might be a good chance to get a few things right.
The only thing left is to explain to all of these History students the difference between Aztec and Maya and why the Spaniards show up a bit early in time
Cheers!