Les invincibles

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.

I think this movie is one of the greatest movies that about special forces.People who think that cast is bad and actings are not real, the dont know about real special forces.

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.

"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.

Well the title actually suggest "Winners" - but if that were always true there would be no reason to watch. No incentive, no friction and no tension. Having said all that and even with the director stating that he wasn't trying to copy or imitate Hollywood movies, you would be excused if you feel a bit differently. Although nudity would be a bit of a no go there (at least in the bigger blockbuster movies).

A lot of action, a lot of characters in the mix, but still makes sense and a story that is easy to follow. I recently watched the Directors cut of the movie. The newly inserted scenes stood out - because of the inferior quality (video). But the scenes overall really fit in. Also since they are so distinguishable, you can understand what the movie looked like in the shorter cut. Most apparent in one scene early on, where the normal cut showed the main character with a band aid and you just didn't know or got an explanation where he got it from. You will in the longer cut. Movie works either way, but it's a nice addition and adds to the whole experience.

Very well made and really well played - not just for a German movie.