Change Your Image
peter_omalley2003
Reviews
Der Untergang (2004)
A superb movie
I first saw this at the movies and was completely bowled over by it. The story is familiar enough to anyone who's been conscious at any time in the last 60 years. The story is sordid (about Hitler, Goebbels etc) and tragic(for Germany) with it. Junge's own contribution at the start of the film is very telling. Ganz's portrayal of an avuncular Hitler one minute and a raving delusional the next is a standout performance. The mood of the film is claustrophobic in the extreme, no doubt reflecting how oppressive that time in the bunker must have been for all concerned and the switches to what was happening above ground highlight the whole unreality of the bunker existence. I've since bought the DVD and have watched it again 3 times since. Ganz doesn't look much like Hitler(always excepting the moustache) but after a minute or two it doesn't matter. It makes me wish for an equally good film about Stalin- a subject crying out for screen work.
40,000 Horsemen (1940)
A must see
This is a classic Oz film made by the director who made Errol Flynn's first film(In the Wake of the Bounty"). I first saw this film as a child and was enthralled by it. Some of the scripting is a bit on the mawkish side and, as in any war film, there is a bit of flag waving (otherwise why make it?)but the action scenes are very well done.Given American insularity their lack of familiarity with the story shouldn't intrude on their enjoyment of it. Well written it recounts (fictional) events leading up to the Aust. Light Horse charge at Beersheba in World War 1. It shows well the dry, laconic Australian bushman's sense of humour and the capacity for friendship which used to be such a great Australian characteristic. Well made and an important film it still holds up well after 64 years.