When i watched this movie, i did really enjoy the first 90 min. However, after the visit to Hungary and the too neat discovery of the pictures of Mishka Laszlo in the music box, i just could not believe that the movie was going to go in the direction it actually went.
What we actually see is a movie about a daughter who betrays his own father, sends him to prison, compromises the life of her own family, destroys her own reputation and stains the future of her only son. Not at any time the old Nazi Criminal is questioned by her daughter as to his motives, as she never tries to understand what drove the old man to commit those atrocities 40 years ago. The daughter's behavior is unrealistic, and it makes you wonder who is the actual monster.
The movie is an effective courtroom drama, with a good plot, good script, and excellent actors. Jessica Lange plays well the daughter, and Armin Mueller Stahl is excellent, as usual, in his role of ambiguous Nazi criminal.
The pity is that all is too obvious. The old man never stood a chance, as it was her own daughter who tried him and convicted him. Also, there is no explanation or attempt to understand the old man, his convictions, his motivations, his feelings, or the context in which he supposedly committed those atrocities. The movie assumes from the very beginning that the old man is a bad guy, and that's it.
The main question that was in the mind of everybody, and the question that every reputable, sane, caring and loyal daughter would have asked is never answered, and it is a big, big elephant in the room: why did you do it, Dad?? She never asks that. As far as we know, the old Nazi worked 30 years in a Factory, gave a good education to his daughter, and was a good provider. The movie shows very well that the old man indeed took care of his family, and shows great affection and love for her daughter, son and grandson. But the daughter betrays him without even asking the only reasonable question a son or daughter could ask: Why the hell did you do it?? So, the daughter assumes that daddy is a monster after all, does not try to understand his behavior or motives, life or context, and in a very merciless gesture she herself betrays him.
The old man is not to pity, as he was a Nazi criminal. However, it is just unbelievable that a daughter "would do the right thing". Family is family. The courageous end for this movie would have been her daughter asking him for his motives, and either accepting it or not. But the righteous crap end is totally unacceptable and lacks credibility. If not, just think for yourself and ask yourself this question: If you knew that your dad shot some people in "Nam" in some questionable circumstances, would you go to the district attorney or military prosecutor straightaway and try to get your own dad convicted, or would you ask him to explain himself and give him an opportunity?? The movie is rubbish and takes the easy way out. I give it a three only because Jessica Lange and Armin Stahl are great actors.
What we actually see is a movie about a daughter who betrays his own father, sends him to prison, compromises the life of her own family, destroys her own reputation and stains the future of her only son. Not at any time the old Nazi Criminal is questioned by her daughter as to his motives, as she never tries to understand what drove the old man to commit those atrocities 40 years ago. The daughter's behavior is unrealistic, and it makes you wonder who is the actual monster.
The movie is an effective courtroom drama, with a good plot, good script, and excellent actors. Jessica Lange plays well the daughter, and Armin Mueller Stahl is excellent, as usual, in his role of ambiguous Nazi criminal.
The pity is that all is too obvious. The old man never stood a chance, as it was her own daughter who tried him and convicted him. Also, there is no explanation or attempt to understand the old man, his convictions, his motivations, his feelings, or the context in which he supposedly committed those atrocities. The movie assumes from the very beginning that the old man is a bad guy, and that's it.
The main question that was in the mind of everybody, and the question that every reputable, sane, caring and loyal daughter would have asked is never answered, and it is a big, big elephant in the room: why did you do it, Dad?? She never asks that. As far as we know, the old Nazi worked 30 years in a Factory, gave a good education to his daughter, and was a good provider. The movie shows very well that the old man indeed took care of his family, and shows great affection and love for her daughter, son and grandson. But the daughter betrays him without even asking the only reasonable question a son or daughter could ask: Why the hell did you do it?? So, the daughter assumes that daddy is a monster after all, does not try to understand his behavior or motives, life or context, and in a very merciless gesture she herself betrays him.
The old man is not to pity, as he was a Nazi criminal. However, it is just unbelievable that a daughter "would do the right thing". Family is family. The courageous end for this movie would have been her daughter asking him for his motives, and either accepting it or not. But the righteous crap end is totally unacceptable and lacks credibility. If not, just think for yourself and ask yourself this question: If you knew that your dad shot some people in "Nam" in some questionable circumstances, would you go to the district attorney or military prosecutor straightaway and try to get your own dad convicted, or would you ask him to explain himself and give him an opportunity?? The movie is rubbish and takes the easy way out. I give it a three only because Jessica Lange and Armin Stahl are great actors.