atcallan

There is really very little you can criticize about a story when the story is true. The adaptation for the screen can come under scrutiny, but in this case there really is no cause for concern. It is a beautifully shot and crafted piece of cinema. Excellent Cast, and solid direction.

You are introduced to a view of history from a less common angle. The lives and story of people who opposed the rise of Nazi Germany from within. People who stood up to the fear, collusion, and general despair of the masses. Most too scared to fight back, choosing instead to lay low and hope for the best.

You can draw frightening parallels with the world today. Except we have social media to voice our anger and concerns at what we see as injustice. The tyrants and demigods around the world fight to block free speech on the internet just as Hitler and the SS did in Germany in the late 1930's and 40's. If you disagree with them you are wrong and risk being silenced and oppressed.

This film depicts the pre-internet world's attempt at quiet resistance. Slower, less reach, but still shows the importance of non conformity in the face of oppression. A valuable watch for all who love true stories, and perhaps particularly relevant at the moment.

Brad Pitt has never been a brilliant actor, he does what he does very well, but he is always Brad Pitt. That said you can't help but like him and the characters he plays. And this flick is no different, the stoic secret agent working behind the lines, calm in the face of danger. His leading lady also more than adequately plays her role. The pair drive the film along at a decent pace.

At times the locations and sets appear a little unbelievable. And in the latter part of the film there are also a few kinks in the story line which suffer from the same problem. Just a few things that wander too far away from what is reasonably believable about the characters.

That said this film narrowly misses being an 8/10. It's good, could be a little better, and ends in a slightly unsatisfying way. But overall it is well worth a watch. The first half is really excellent.

I was drawn to this film as it was an alternative look at the events surrounding the assassination of JFK....

Unfortunately for me it fails, the Acting is wooden, the accents feel forced. And the pace is so dreadfully slow. The were really no other things to report.

Disappointing is the key word here. Could have been so much more, but I'm just not a fan of Natalie Portman. I just don't think she is convincing in any of her roles.

Far too much slow dialogue with little substance or drama. It looked nice but was hollow, left me cold.