Die Sieger

The movies plot is based on the episode "Über dem Abgrund" from the German tV-show "Der Fahnder" starring Klaus Wennemann, directed by Dominik Graf, written by Günter Schüttauf. Before shooting "Die Sieger" Graf an Schüttauf spent several months researching SEK-tactics to make the film more realistic. Both the movie and the TV-episode are very realistic and critical comments about police methods, so everyone hating German police should love the movie.

Graf's masterpiece is a rare example of German moviemakers' capabilities to produce real action stuff. Engaging a top cast of young German actresses and actors, he made a thrilling movie about secret agents, politicians and - yes - even some erotics.

"Die Sieger" was highly recommended to be one of the few good action movies made in Germany. I watched it last night and I must admit, that I am deeply disappointed. If that is supposed to be "the last best hope" for entertaining and challenging German action cinema, well then there is not much left.

"Die Sieger" tries to be sexy, daring and furious but it is nothing of that kind. The characters are wooden and stereotype and whenever they do something unexpected (which doesn't happen too much) the act against their nature. That makes it hard - for me almost impossible - to follow them or even identify with them.

Most of all I think the film is very bad cast. There is not one character in whom I believe. Maybe the superior officer at the SWAT unit - but that's about it. Those people that try to look like or act like special units, like elite cops - I don't believe them. Not for a second.

The story is not so bad after all. But I think it's badly told. You don't get to know the bad guy at all - for example. And when after a "very dark" show down Karl Simon (the good guy) asks his already dead opponent "why? ... what for?" I did ask myself that very same question, knowing, that Dominik Graf wouldn't have the answer.

I sincerely hope - no - I believe that Germany can do better, even with action films.

Special-unit policeman Karl Simon sees someone who is supposed to be dead, and is caught up in a whirlwind of political corruption and treachery. His job and happy family are threatened by a sexy affair, a kidnapping scheme, and accusations of being an accomplice to a crime. He is used as a pawn in a game but ends up playing by his own rules, in a cat-and-mouse thrilling chase that ends in a climactic cable-car scene set high in the Bavarian Alps. Complex film merits close attention as double-cross meets double-double-cross.

"Die Sieger" is one great action and suspense thriller. There's an interesting plot, good acting, real life characters and a lot of action. I went to see it the week it came out and I was VERY impressed. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys "Die Hard"-type, intelligent and well done movie-entertainment. Dominik Graf, I want more of this.