Rating of
4/4
Welcome to the old world
Macasev - wrote on 06/16/08
Probably one of the best films by Danish director, Lars Von Trier. We all know what happened to the world after the II world war, but we don't know about post-war Germany as much. A young "I want to save the world" American enthusiast, Leo is arriving to Germany in order to help reconstructing the war torn country. His American common sense and pragmatic spirit will not suffice. This is the old continent full of absurdity, ancient sentiments and quite different concept of nation.
The profound difference between the cultures is perfectly presented in the following dialog where Leo explains why he didn't want to blow up the train.
Kate: I'm sorry, Leo i... I did what i had to do. But it's your fault, too. The bridge would have been so easy for you.
Leo: Easy?
Kate: Nothing could have happened to you.
Leo: And what about all the people on the train?
Kate: What people? Everybody on this train has been through the war just like me. You can't compare yourself to us. Everybody here has killed or betrayed, directly or indirectly, hundreds of times, just to survive. Look into their eyes and you'll see what i mean.
Leo: Kate, you're talking about an awful crime.
Kate: But the way i see this is that you are the only criminal.
Leo: I haven't done anything. I'm not working for either side.
Kate: Exactly.
A movie every diplomat or foreign service clerk should watch in order to realize the importance of understanding of cultural differences.
Beautiful black and white cinematography with colored parts that mark emotional moments. Very emotional and dramatic music score by Joachim Holbek. An exquisite performance of Sukowa and Barr, small episode of the 70's art-house star Udo Kier and even a small part for the director of the movie (bribed Jewish guy). And the stunningly hypnotic voice of the narrator (Max Von Sydow) that guides us through the deepest layers of Europa.
The ultimate masterpiece of the 90's.
