Danny Balint

When I read a description of this film, I thought it would go overboard in the violence and "shock sequences." I was relieved and impressed that it left most of the violence to the imagination. The shock value comes from other places--the content, the dialogue. This is a very thought-provoking and smart movie, not at all preachy (and it easily could have been preachy). The acting is unforced and its story does not fall into the "American History X" trap: Its main character does not become an "all race loving" good guy. The protagonist in "The Believer" is a tortured soul, and his fate (although somewhat predictable) is fitting after the events in the film. This movie is another example that cable movies occasionally surpass theatrical movies in their subject matter and execution. Very well done.

I think I first saw Mr. Gosling in Murder by Numbers, in which he played half of a modern-day Leopold and Loeb murder team. In that good-but-not-great thriller, he did a fine job with an easy role: the smarmy manipulator who's convinced his Intellect is so superior to everyone else's that he has the right -- no, the obligation -- to kill those inferior to himself.

In The Believer, Gosling plays the young fascist who really seems to believe the antisemitic vitrol he spews. His skinhead punk is just as scary, believable and *common* as Edward Norton's in American History X -- with the added layer of being from an Orthodox background. He has apparently convinced those around him that his fascination with all things Judaic is only an effort to "know his enemy thoroughly" -- nothing more.

Gosling is nothing short of astounding in this role. He richly deserves all the honors bestowed upon him. If he continues to only get roles like Murder by Numbers, it will be a waste of a wonderful natural resource, kind of like strip mining in Yellowstone.

Like "Romper Stomper" and the intensely powerful "American History X," here we have another brilliant film which revolves around National Socialism and the fiercely racist ideals behind it. This movie, however, varies strongly from the two previously mentioned in that it seems to have been researched far more heavily, and, focuses on not a general Neo-Nazi or skinhead, but on a young Jewish man—who has turned to Neo-Nazis and fascism for strength. This film revolves around a young man who was born and raised into Judaism only to become heavily fed up with the styles, rules, rituals, and apparent hypocrisies therein. Ever since his youth he'd been questioning the Jewish faith and the very meaning of being Jewish. The film follows him as he struggles with the faith he was raised with and the Nazi ideals he adopts against it. Through it all, he also struggles with his own identity and the hypnotic way that these two opposing ideologies have power over people. On top of that, he's later recruited by a group of neo-fascists, so to speak, looking to make fascism a reputable political movement, much like Communism has evolved into Democratic societies these days as Socialism. Here's the breakdown: The Good: --The acting, for the most part is excellent. --The amount of information about both Nazism and Judaism is staggeringly well researched. At least, that's how it seems. --Nice cinematography and atmosphere. --Interesting story. Didn't Hurt It, Didn't Help: --Decent music. --This film focuses very little time on "Neo-Nazis versus everybody;" it's more about Nazism and Judaism butting heads. The Bad: --Often times with movies of this nature, Nazi Movies, there is strong violence used in part to hammer home the intensity of the subject matter. This film focuses on the ideologies more than the violence and as such, actually doesn't feel as powerful as, say, "American History X." --During flashback sequences where we see the main character in his youth in school, the kid playing the part isn't exactly a great actor. --Somewhat predictable ending. The Ugly: --With the ideologies, stories, and characters—there's an awful lot going on in this film. Unfortunately, when the movie ends, if feels like there was a lot left unanswered, or simply, not fully explored. Memorable Scene: --There were actually quite a few. For me, it was the first several times we get to know the girl who becomes the main character's love interest—and all the ways it seems she's just not right in the head. Acting: 8/10 Story: 9/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Character Development: 9/10 Special Effects/Make-up: 0/10 (Movie didn't require any) Nudity/Sexuality: 3/10 Violence/Gore: 6/10 (Not as much violence as is common in films of this type) Dialogue: 9/10 (Some brilliant conversations and ideas throughout) Music: 7/10 Direction: 8/10 Cheesiness: 1/10 Crappiness: 0/10 Overall: 9/10 Be prepared to stomach a lot of harsh words and racism, but this is an intense film with a lot going on. Another one recommended to those with an interest in National Socialism, Judaism and their histories and ideologies. Full-fledged Nazis, ironically, will not like many of the directions this movie takes, and neither might serious Jews—the views expressed in this film are that strong. My final rating comes from the overall intelligence and strength of the film, despite is drawbacks.

As far as I'm concerned, there's isn't a better movie about anti-semitism and youth as "American History X" but this movie came close. I was surprised to see young Gosling pull off and really out-perform himself in this role. Excellent writing with a fantastic group of young, talented actors. Definitely worth seeing.

8/10

Danny Balint (Ryan Gosling) is angry. He questions his Jewish heritage and challenges his faith. The movie starts with him bullying a Jewish boy on the subway in New York. He joins a small group of fascists led by Curtis Zampf (Billy Zane) and Lina Moebius (Theresa Russell). Danny pushes for the group to start killing Jews. Carla Moebius (Summer Phoenix) finds him fascinating. Curtis doesn't want to go down that road again while Lina finds it appealing for their cause even if she doesn't believe in it. Reporter Guy Danielsen is writing about the right wing movement. Danny joins up with others as his star rises in the movement.

This is a character study of anger and self-hatred. Ryan Gosling is brilliantly unbalanced as he challenges religious authority. He's also superficially very convincing in his insane rants. More than anything, he's very charismatic. It is a bone chilling performance.