Synopsis:
In the Nazi-occupied Netherlands
during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo
headquarters for the Dutch resistance.
Brian's Rating:
A : I am beginning to think that German film making is not getting enough
exposure in the US. In the past 6 months, this is one of the 5 best movies I
have seen. I liked it quite a lot. I put it right on par with "The Tunnel"
although it is hard to compare because the style is different, and the way the
plot is driven is different.
Like "The Tunnel", I cannot quite give this an A+ because there are a couple
points in the plot that could have been fleshed out a bit better. Not exactly
plot holes, but the viewer is left to fill in a gap on a critical plot
mechanism. I cannot say much about it because the plot is not transparent like
"The Tunnel", but suffice it to say that I think there must have been a scene
somewhere left on the editing table that should not have been cut.
Still, the story is gripping, the acting is excellent, and the characters are
intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie, and would watch it again
without a second thought. Do not let the subtitles scare you away and treat
yourself to an excellent piece of film making.
Incidentally, the other 4 movies are:
The Prestige, The
Tunnel,
The Dark Knight, and
The Orphanage. I guess I have a thing for short titles.
The
Freak's Rating: B+ : Black Book is an excellent World War II tale.
I agree with Brian that German filmmaking is quickly becoming my favorite.
Paul Verhoven, a tested American director, goes back to his roots to bring to
life this amazing story of a singer caught in the middle of the war and tossed
back and forth between rebels and Nazis.
Suspense and tension is done
beautifully in this film. The only reason it slips to a B+ is because I
wouldn't quite own it and watch it again and again. I would, however,
definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.
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