StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Billy Ollie
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
jaroslaw99
I will admit I'm prejudiced because I adore Ben Silverstone but really, he is one of only a few actors who always becomes the person he is playing. Contrary to one other review, this was not awful, there were no wooden performances. I do agree that it spoils the movie a bit to open in 1950 and go backwards but this is only relevant if you realize who Phillipe Halsman was, which I assume most people including me, would not. Patrick Swayze was incredible too, an unexpected pleasure that he could do so well in a dramatic role. I'm not Jewish, but I don't think it can be said enough that blind prejudice & hate can have awful consequences for both the victims and instigators. The world never seems to learn this. PLEASE DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE - It was never explained why they cut off the head of the victim and presented it as evidence in court; nor why it was preserved for 60 years. Possibly since Halsman himself never spoke about it and probably he himself didn't know a lot of why the authorities did certain things ; the movie must have contained a certain amount of conjecture.
johnjoshua
The 119 minute version, which the director actually edited (despite the distribution of a 102" version) is a fascinating tale of the strife between a father and son which leads to death and deep regret. Patrick Swayze is fantastic in this movie. He shows a side of his acting which proves how diversified he can be and how talented. Martine McCutcheon and Anja Kruse are also fantastic, as is Ben Silverstone. This film should be watched in the original, English version (there is tendency in Europe to dub everything that moves -- including pictures). This film shows how Austria was also involved in the rise of National Socialism as an architect of the movement more than its victim.
patlightfoot
I enjoyed it very much. The writing and bigotry against Jews, was on the wall,(literally in 1928) and Phillipe's father was a real pain in the neck. Paternalistic extremo. His arrogance and bullying factors caused his demise, but not by his son's hand. Although, one had to think why the hesitancy giving him heart pills and trying to stop him falling. But when the truth is revealed, one can understand, Phillip's father's obnoxious relationship with his family intimidated Phillipe and I suspect that barrier between son and father was noticed by others on the mountain and in the hotel. Ones who already had turned against Jews. However, how did they know they were Jews, from the blonde who had slept with the father the night before? And I queried why Phillipe took photos of his dead father, when the head wound was not there when he went for help. Was he in shock? He appeared to be, and also I feel felt a bit guilty about his father, given he had had an argument with him prior to this. This is understandable.Some might again say "Not another film about wartime Jews" but the story has credibility. And it was just as well that Phillipe accepted the pardon and went to America. As others did of course, and who would wonder when the word got around, the Jews were targets now from the Nazi's. The scenery in Austria was wonderful, the acting was very good, and it was a satisfying film script.
Marc
A fact based murder trial of the 1920's involving a young Jewish man in pre-Nazi Austria holds your attention to the end if you're unfamiliar with the story. The trouble is the dreadful acting and stagy style direction - so bad it's almost embarrassing.Interested in Martine McCutcheon in the 'sister' role, I hired it on that basis, being a long time fan of "EastEnders". But her pivotal role is reduced to pretty sighs and great costumes.It's a shame that true historical stories are of little interest to the general public because we can learn so much from the past.Overall, a television audience would enjoy this - and that's not saying very much.
