Having been molded for a lifetime with James Bond as the ultimate movie-spy, it takes a little effort to appreciate Fritz Lang's very good 'Spione' (= German for 'spies').
Another step to take is acknowledging the level of technical advancement from the late 1920-s. For instance, watching a high-pressure scene about sending an urgent telegram doesn't make sense anymore in our age of email & internet.
After having settled yourself in the right mood, time has come to appreciate this film. Excellent acting, to start with. A story that keeps you interested until its very unexpected end. All decors and scenarios are in very good style and taste.
In 'Spione' the style of the short-lived German 'Weimar'-republic emerges unmistakeably. It is a great and very recognizable style, shaped by the unstable politics of its times. A style marked by fresh memories of a terrible world war, as well as by the fear for the future.
Although in 1928, the year this film was made, the 'Weimar'-republic boomed, Adolf Hitler was only five years away.
Another step to take is acknowledging the level of technical advancement from the late 1920-s. For instance, watching a high-pressure scene about sending an urgent telegram doesn't make sense anymore in our age of email & internet.
After having settled yourself in the right mood, time has come to appreciate this film. Excellent acting, to start with. A story that keeps you interested until its very unexpected end. All decors and scenarios are in very good style and taste.
In 'Spione' the style of the short-lived German 'Weimar'-republic emerges unmistakeably. It is a great and very recognizable style, shaped by the unstable politics of its times. A style marked by fresh memories of a terrible world war, as well as by the fear for the future.
Although in 1928, the year this film was made, the 'Weimar'-republic boomed, Adolf Hitler was only five years away.