Bandits

Telling of a rock group of four imprisoned females who escape and enjoy overnight commercial musical success because of their notoriety, "Bandits" is not of the sexsational genre of B-flicks about women in prison commonplace in America. Instead it is a stylish, artfully shot sort of quasi-musical-drama-rock-video out of Germany with verve, solid music, a creative story, and a captivating screenplay. "Bandits", which received high marks from critics and viewers, is just real enough to get involved with while being just unreal enough to make rooting for the escapees easily rationalized. Love the ending. Worth a look for those into "girl power" and rock music.

There have been many movies about people escaping from jail, but few (maybe none) are like "Bandits". It focuses on a group of disgruntled young women in a German prison. When they get a chance to play outside the prison, they naturally use that chance to escape. But that's where the movie takes a surprise turn. The become the most popular band in the country.

It's a really funny movie (yes, the Germans can be funny). I particularly liked some of the things that they said while packing airplane utensils, and just the way that one of the women had a sarcastic attitude and chose to go around bending the rules just a little. A modern classic.

BANDITS is great fun. Though the plot is a bit light and at times melodramatic, there is a wonderful urgency and energy about it. The music, the editing, and the free-spirited nature of the film make it a joy to watch. It is escapist fare at its best.

This is pretty good directing for a pop rock music video. The entire film is basically a series of music videos glued together with a story that becomes impossible to believe before any of the major plot elements are introduced. If this wasn't in German probably it would be a good hit on the international MTV, but as it is, maybe the German MTV will show it a few times.

I enjoyed this movie more than most of the American movies I've seen in the past year. It's also different from any other movies I've ever seen. The acting is great, and all of the characters are interesting...plus, I have to get the soundtrack. It's hard to find movies that are this original and entertaining.