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.
tojepravda
An intimate look into a fascinating period of history. Not your average pre-holocaust story, but a rewarding exploration of a lesser-known case.Some of the performances were rather wooden, and the direction felt a bit awkward and TV-ish at times, but the story was gripping. A much different role for Mr. Swayze, as well. I didn't expect him capable of such a sobering dramatic performance.I hadn't heard of Halsman before, but am curious to learn more about him.I will definitely watch this again, though I can't wait for it to hit the big screen.
hesketh27
This mess just reminded me of one of those 70s pan European co-productions that were so prominent at the time. The characters inhabit a Disneyesque, sanitised version of 1920s Austria where everyone and everything is scrubbed shinily clean and everyone walks aboutwearing beautiful clothes. The story itself would be a good basis for adecent dramatic film but as soon as I heard the dreadful dubbed voice coming out of Heinz Hoenig's mouth I knew this was a stinker! Why does the film show Halsman alive and well in America in the 1950s spoiling any dramatic tension - we already know in the first 2 minutes of the film that he is going to be free, whats the point watching any further? (I personally didn't know who he was before watching the film) Why does Martine McCutcheon have to talk with that ridiculous American accent in a film set in Austria????????? All in all an unwatchable mess. Badly scripted, badly directed and badly acted. AVOID!!!!!!!!!
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.
AD
