Resistance Movement

I really love this story. I have seen a play on it at Brigham Young University years ago. Screenplay was written by a guy named Rogers, if I remember correctly. I do believe there is much more to to be told about this story than this particular rendition tells us. There was supposed to be a Hollywood movie starring Haley Osmet and Max von Sydrow, which I have been looking forward to for a long time, but have not seen it (it was supposed to have come out in 2011). I also saw a documentary on it, which I felt was much better. It drew a few tears. I just hope that if someone does do a full-blown movie on this subject that it is done properly. One thing I felt about this one was that it could have shown more about Wobbe and Schnibbe after the trial and their encounters in prison. Both of them wrote autobiographies and these should be consulted more. Additionally, although I believe they were terrified of what was going to happen to them, the books show that they were much more heroic than would appear to be the case in this movie. They seem more terrified than heroic here. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful story and this movie still is a great rendition. These boys deserve more respect than has been given them by many reviewers, even if the movie could have been better. I'm actually surprised at the anti-religious sentiment among them. This country (USA and others) are supposed to have been places of religious tolerance. So I am very surprised that people would get bent out of shape by such things. These boys were Mormons and their faith and church is actually what drew them together. The equipment at the church house was what was actually used and I feel that religion probably actually played more of a role than is shown here. I was actually surprised that it wasn't more a part of this movie, since it is so central to the story. The branch president was actually pro-Nazi and felt it was better that the group be taken to preserve the congregation from any negativity the Nazis might direct toward them. I feel that a whole lot more could have been added to make the story more full, exciting, poignant, etc. In spite of that, this is a very good movie. Also, do yourself a favor. Get the documentary: Truth and conviction : the Helmuth Hübener story, 2002 directed by Matt Whitaker.

I have looked at the reviews of this movie/stage play and was expecting something fascinating and gripping. I really liked the idea of it being a stage play however being German I found the American dialogue with the odd German phrase (Mainly Mutti meaning mum) totally out of pace and disturbing. If you want to play this in German language than do, but don't throw in only one word and think that makes it better. The actors were less than mediocre, costumes didn't fit especially on the younger actors and it was obvious that they were from a completely time (this stands out in particular as veneered ultra white teeth were not around in them days). They didn't seem to be at all comfortable in the roles they were trying to play. Overall disappointing.

This was shown in a medium not normally known by the average viewer. Instead of lavish productions, the movie is shown as a stage play, much like Shakespere.

The backdrops were clad in black, and probably meant to, to depecit the blackness of WWII. The interaction of the main characters however, did not.

While the way this production was shown, it did not take away from how it was portrayed. It was unusual, it was strange yet, it made it all the more real.

I know some people aren't going to like this movie, but I bawled throughout! Being a mother of a 15 year old son I imagine my own son as Rudi. It's heartbreaking!

I love the medium used. The darkness of the background was very striking and good as a metaphor. The actors were obviously knowledgeable about their parts and wanted to portray them properly. They're good singers to boot. The men who played the Gestapo were very good. The mother, wow!

I am so proud of those boys and their determination to do what is right and let the consequences follow. Watch the movie and if you don't cry, you have no heart!

Resistance Movement is a great film. I watched it with my four children (ages ranging from 14-6)and we were able to have a great family discussion about it afterward. My kids ask to watch it more frequently than the popular movies we own. Even my 6 year old was able to understand a lot of the movie and loved it. It was well written and filmed. I love the idea of a movie/play format mixed together. Definitely a perfect family movie.

One of the best features is the making of the film. I was touched when I watched how it came about and the feelings and experiences of those who were involved in the production. If you don't know much about the true events, I would recommend watching this first before the movie. You will quickly feel a sense of love for the real life heroes as you watch the movie.

After watching the first time, I immediately wanted to watch it again. It's rare to find a movie that you can sit and watch all of the commentary on, but for Resistance Movement it was nice to watch with the directors commentating. It became more real and they did a great job of explaining important and key elements, as well as gave a sense of how wonderful the experience was to make the film.

You will not regret buying and watching this movie. It will be a good experience for you and your family!