
Invincible
2001, Drama, 2h 11m
52 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Sluggish and flawed, this is a minor work in Herzog's career. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Herschel Steinschneider, Erik Jan Hanussen
Zishe Breitbart
Marta Farra
Master of Ceremonies
Benjamin Breitbart
Benjamin Breitbart
News & Interviews for Invincible
Critic Reviews for Invincible
All Critics (52) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (24)
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August 24, 2006 | Rating: 2/4 -
...the naivete of his performance has a humbling effect on a film that, while entirely too long and short on sizzling imagery, is meant to be taken simply as folkloric.
May 26, 2003 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review… -
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November 3, 2002 | Rating: 4/4 -
Though few will argue that it ranks with the best of Herzog's works, Invincible shows he's back in form, with an astoundingly rich film.
October 25, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Feels less like a change in [Herzog's] personal policy than a half-hearted fluke.
October 18, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review… -
Remarkably accessible and affecting.
October 4, 2002 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Invincible
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Jan 18, 2009Based on actual events, Werner Herzog chronicles the rise and fall of Polish strongman Zishe Breitbart who entertained affluent Germans in pre-WWII Berlin. Herzog manages to capture the historical significance of the events but a meandering script and suspect performances left me feeling a bit cheated and underwhelmed.Randy T Super Reviewer
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Nov 12, 2008Always hard to know how to feel about a Herzog film. The man is certainly anything but normal and this often comes across in his films. This true story however is one of his straightest narratives and works brilliantly. Every scene is one of interest fascination. The story itself is the true story of a Jewish blacksmith who goes to Berlin to seek his fam and fortune only to become involved in a weird stage show that caters to the Nazi's. The main star is actually a bodybuilder and some have criticised his performance but to me he was certainly stilted but so was the character. Obviously quite simple and often naive. It could also be that his performance was held back to further highlight Roth's excellent charismatic turn, and perhaps the attractive lure of the Nazi's in general. It's a fascinating story and one that has an excellent twist that causes you to re-evaluate certain aspects of the film. It's deep, tragic but most of all entertaining, which as we discover can be just as strong as any army.Luke B Super Reviewer
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Aug 30, 2008This is typical Herzog: he makes a touching film about Jews in Germany and the rise of the Nazi party, without overloading the film with pity or melodrama. And he still manages to get in his lingering "nature shots".Marcus W Super Reviewer
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Aug 27, 2008"Invincible," which completely flew under everyone's radar WAY back in 2001, is a fascinating film... a colorfully painted tale of individual triumph in the face of adversity. Based on fact, the film is a very straightforward effort, but is not completely void of Herzog's off-kilter style and sensibilities. It feels very dreamlike, and has a certain elegance and whimsy. Adding to this quality is a cast of relatively inexperienced actors (Tim Roth and a few others being the exceptions). The Hulking Jouko Ahola for example, the hero of the narrative, has a very limited acting range and ability but delivers a very likable, touching, and admirable performance in spite of himself. But no doubt it is Herzog who deserves credit most. Each scene is filled with the passion and love he obviously had for this material, and luckily his emotions bleed through. This is a powerful story told in a very unique and level-headed fashion. See this Gem. Another really interesting film from Herzog.Michael S Super Reviewer
Invincible Quotes
Zishe: | I am not an Aryan. |
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