After wondering why reviews for this movie are quite polarizing, it became clear after watching the movie and reading about the history it is based on.
The movie does work well as a fictional story, if you don't care about the history. It is well done, has a catchy story, and an interesting way how it is told. Unless you don't just watch Hollywood action blockbusters you might be fine with this movie.
But the problem starts, when you take a look at the history. The story behind this movie is not suitable for a fairy-tale where main characters are enjoying their role. No wonder people will find this irreverent. The movie itself does refer to the story it is based on, it also provides footage of the original propaganda film - and that does not match to the way the story is told.
Other things that might be irritating is that main characters are speaking English and that Romania is too colorful for that time. No problem if you get a dubbed version of the movie, no problem if you see it as a fictional story. But the movie itself makes the connection to the historical background - and that's where it doesn't work.
The movie does work well as a fictional story, if you don't care about the history. It is well done, has a catchy story, and an interesting way how it is told. Unless you don't just watch Hollywood action blockbusters you might be fine with this movie.
But the problem starts, when you take a look at the history. The story behind this movie is not suitable for a fairy-tale where main characters are enjoying their role. No wonder people will find this irreverent. The movie itself does refer to the story it is based on, it also provides footage of the original propaganda film - and that does not match to the way the story is told.
Other things that might be irritating is that main characters are speaking English and that Romania is too colorful for that time. No problem if you get a dubbed version of the movie, no problem if you see it as a fictional story. But the movie itself makes the connection to the historical background - and that's where it doesn't work.