La 25ª ora

We don't know why this extraordinary film was never made available officially on DVD... Anthony Quinn's performance alone makes this a must-see. There are relatively few films in which an actor identifies so profoundly with his character, a phenomenon always unique for us, moviegoers.

But Quinn's powerful portrayal of an innocent Romanian, literally dragged out of his house and everyday life by forces he cannot comprehend, is only part of what makes this film great. The script is based on a book published in Paris by a Romanian priest who fled the Communist take-over of his country, and the film succeeds to go deep into a little known area of East-European history. Told as a succession of Kafka-esquire twists of fate, the misadventures of Johann Moritz (told openly and honestly, without any of the political correctness currently so precious in Hollywood) are in fact a eulogy for the lost innocence of the Romanian people... it is devilishly ironic that this eulogy is signed by a French director, working with the American money of an Italian producer, and overseeing a multinational cast fronted by an extraordinary Mexican-born thespian.

I've seen mentions of VCDs of this film in various Asian internet stores, and I was fortunate to take possession of a digital recording of this film, broadcast on the British version of TCM. But it's a shame that "The 25th Hour" isn't anywhere on the future DVD release map of MGM studios.

Unlike the majority of movies from the 1960's which date quickly - 'The 25th Hour' - is as fresh as if it had been made yesterday. It withstood being watched recently (late in 2003) and was as good, if not better, than any blockbuster films released that year. A seriously commendable tribute - thirty-six years on. Normally, Quinn is an actor that I find hard to watch, however, this role was tailor-made for him.

'The 25th Hour' is unlikely to ever find a large audience in the future, or be re-released. Such a pity. Anyone undertaking media studies now or in future years would surely find a wealth of cinematic technique and craftmanship contained in this epic story. One of the other reviewers, here on IMDb, has rightly classed this timeless film as "a forgotten gem". Spot on. It's refreshing to find an original slant on anything from WWII. This movie is totally unique. Well Done to all those involved in its making.

I saw this movie when I was 17 years old. I am 52. I am still haunted with this movie and think it might have been the movie that has impressed my life more than any other. I don't recall the quality of the acting or cinema work. I just remember the story and the way that Mr. Quinn played this part. Get it. See it. You will remember it.

after years, for me remains a revelation. about hidden Romania. about small history. about cruel form of solitude. more than beautiful, it is a touching film. a circle of ash. a testimony. in 1980 years, when I watch it first time, it was subject of extraordinary experience. the name of Virgil Gheorghiu was prohibit, the image of a Romania out of propaganda images was strange. but , after a time, more than story remains Anthony Quinn acting who gives new fresh colors to the message. because it is a picture of East. and body of a suffering without cure. open wound. and border of a delicate silhouette of hope. must see it ! because it is one of that films who gives a lot of surprises. a movie who transforms opinions and verdicts. and who draws , in special manner, basic elements of life.

There are many, many older movies that deserve to be transferred to the DVD format. This is surely one of them. An Anthony Quinn triumph! Scores of movies portray the victims of Nazi atrocities before and during the war, but, I don't think any of them have delved into the psyche of the victim and predator as well as this this one has. Anthony Quinn was truly a man for all seasons. He had the ability to portray the humblest of creatures devoid of any human vises to a creature of extreme animalism and pull it off as believable to the audiences who watched with no afterthought of what they had just witnessed! Truly one of our greatest artists. He is missed.