Invincible
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Movie Reviews of Invincible
Movie Review: A FABULOUS FABLE OF TRUTH
Summary: 5 Stars
The Jews believe that each generation 36 Unknown prophets arise to bring God's warnings to the people. Unknown meaning either the prophet is an unwitting tool of God, or knows his vocation but is all but unknown to the rest of the world. In the Glitterati of 1932 Weimar Berliner society, when all manner of decadence rose to the surface and Hitler was trying his hardest to find some theological symbol with which to attach himself as Messiah, he was open to the occult and spent many millions in archeological searches for scripture or other signs which he could manipulate to make his people believe what he was doing was God's will just as another demented leader is doing today. The film is based on the true story of Zishe Breitbart, a Polish Jewish blacksmith's son who becomes a rising star in Weimar, Berlin as a mystical/mythical strongman. His employer (Tim Roth) Hanussen wants to establish an all-powerful Ministry of the Occult in Hitler's government and the strongman Zishe as the Aryan hero Siegfried, amidst his success, makes a moral decision based on prophecies he is receiving from God to become the New Sampson and fearlessly exposes his Jewishness to the demented Nazi crowd. The rest is history romanticized by Herzog. A beautiful, lyrical, poetic film, an epic tale of the signs which some believe God sends, and which the skeptics miss or mock. Roth as always is excellent, as the mysterious and sinsiter Hanussen, who though tinged with avarice and evil, shows a thin streak of goodness. The film should have won awards for cinematography and Original screen play, although there was a book from which Herzog worked. It was, at least, indeed breathtaking and inspiring.Movie Review: Underrated masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this DVD at the library many times before I actually decided to take it home and watch it. (I think it was seeing something else with Tim Roth that made me decide to get it.) The cover shows a picture of Tim Roth doing a mystical magician type pose and some dice in the background. Never having heard of this movie elsewhere, I assumed that this was some sort of circus/Vegas movie. Hmmm, I guess the joke was on me!
Not only does this movie have nothing to do with Vegas or circuses, but Tim Roth isn't even the star of the show even though he is the only name listed on the front of the DVD! Much to my surprise, this is a story that deals with pre-Holocaust Germany and Jewish persecution in the 30's. It is a story about a Polish Jew who finds his way to Berlin as a strong man working as a sideshow for the "Palace of the Occult." He stands up to the extreme prejudice he is faced with and ultimately becomes an almost cult hero of the European Jews.
The theme of the story really did surprise me, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise. Tim Roth was somewhat misadvertised as the star of the show, but he is terrific as a sleazy scumbag. Although the main character is played by a real "strong man" and not an actor, he is just fine in an endearing role. Because of the story's attraction and intrigue, I was able to overlook some potential weak spots.
Between a wonderful, traitorous villain, and a lovable, courageous hero, the components are there for a movie that will entertain and make you cheer.
Movie Review: It's great to have him back.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Herzog's first feature film in a while. I know he has recently moved to Los Angeles and apparently loves it. It may show in his film. This is his glossiest production to date. As opposed the the outdoors, where he is usually fond of filming, most of the action here takes place in Hanussen's Theater of the Occult. The picture is in English, which allows us the wonderful performance by Tim Roth. Herzog shows Hanussen as a kind of villain, yet he is too much like Herzog himself - someone who uses hypnosis, lies, and great imagery to put on a spectacular show. Neophytes might be a bit put off by the overdubbing of some of the actors, but that is a trifle. It is just great to be back in Herzog-land again. Like all of his films, there is a central image that tells the whole story. In this story, it is a remarkable dream sequence of The Invincible helping his little brother over rocks (WWII) through a sea of crabs (the Nazis).
Movie Review: Werner Herzog's Ecstatic Truth
Summary: 5 Stars
'Invincible' is an unbelievably powerful film. After an eleven year absence from feature films 'Invincible' proves that Werner Herzog is the greatest living film-maker. Although far from being his best film ('The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser' and 'Aguirre the Wrath of God' are his greatest films) this film has an amazing power and is reminiscent of 'The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser'. Jouko Ahola's performance as Zische Breitbart is the most innocent portrayal I've ever seen given by an actor. The final scene in this film had me crying uncontrollably. This is the second best film of 2002 behind Polanski's 'The Pianist'.Movie Review: Where are the oscars?
Summary: 5 Stars
Now someone tell me...Why does this film get lost between the cracks and movies like The Pianist and Schindler's List don't? For me this movie touched upon issues I have never seen in a movie about this era. Everyone should view this film. It is a beautiful well made fable with terrific acting, cinematography and a heartbreaking score by Hans Zimmer. One of Herzog's best and most accessible films.