Three reasons why this film is a waste of time and money:
First, it is about the most horrific 12 years in German history and none of the actors are German, but mainly English. They don't even make an effort to hide their English accents when they utter German words. However, that is not the main problem, the main problem is that they are so English. Their entire behaviour is SO English. Either you make a film about dictatorship that could happen anywhere, anytime or a film about Nazi Germany but then there HAS to be an accurate historical, cultural portrayal of the time and people!
Second, there is nothing, absolutely nothing 'good' in Halder, he is not even 'nice'. Halder is a Nazi who pretends NOT to be one. He does zero to protect his best friend while it is still time - and we are talking about his best friend, a man he shares his most intimate problems with! It is difficult to understand why he attempts to finally help him once it is too late!
Third, there is nothing moving, nothing touching about this film, even the last scene in the concentration camp feels like - and I am sorry to draw this comparison but this is what it felt like watching it - a trip to the house of horrors at a funfair!
What could have been an interesting, excruciating film about a man who through the choices he makes, gives in to evil and realizes too late that he was lured into a trap and has not only betrayed his best friend but is committing atrocious crimes against humanity, has gone horribly, horribly, horribly wrong! Awful, awful, awful!
First, it is about the most horrific 12 years in German history and none of the actors are German, but mainly English. They don't even make an effort to hide their English accents when they utter German words. However, that is not the main problem, the main problem is that they are so English. Their entire behaviour is SO English. Either you make a film about dictatorship that could happen anywhere, anytime or a film about Nazi Germany but then there HAS to be an accurate historical, cultural portrayal of the time and people!
Second, there is nothing, absolutely nothing 'good' in Halder, he is not even 'nice'. Halder is a Nazi who pretends NOT to be one. He does zero to protect his best friend while it is still time - and we are talking about his best friend, a man he shares his most intimate problems with! It is difficult to understand why he attempts to finally help him once it is too late!
Third, there is nothing moving, nothing touching about this film, even the last scene in the concentration camp feels like - and I am sorry to draw this comparison but this is what it felt like watching it - a trip to the house of horrors at a funfair!
What could have been an interesting, excruciating film about a man who through the choices he makes, gives in to evil and realizes too late that he was lured into a trap and has not only betrayed his best friend but is committing atrocious crimes against humanity, has gone horribly, horribly, horribly wrong! Awful, awful, awful!