Amen (2003)
Movie Info
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Cast
as Kurt Gerstein
as Riccardo Fontana
as The Doctor
as The Cardinal
as Count Fontana
as Pope Pius XII
as Gerstein's Father
as Mrs. Gerstein
as Grawitz
Critic Reviews for Amen
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (33) | Rotten (16) | DVD (2)
Costa-Gavras deserves credit for staying the course; in a time when most European film directors are wringing their hands, he's still pointing fingers.
Tukur's performance is the centerpiece of the movie; it's a wonderful mixture of outrage and swiftly disappearing naivete.
Costa-Gavras' political thrillers used to jab and thrust with lethal efficiency. This one just pounds against a heavy bag, huffing and puffing all the way.
In a remarkably subtle turn, the German Tukur is convincing as [Gerstein].
What should have been agonizing in its impact comes off as wooden, perhaps because Costa-Gavras works in schematic fashion, spoon-feeding us issues while skimming the historical surface.
Amen., a docudrama rather than a documentary, is clearly guided by Shoah's example, asking us to reflect on the Holocaust and what made it possible rather than simply recoil from it.
Audience Reviews for Amen
Brilliant Foreign film examining the link between the Vatican and the Third Reich, Amen roars across the screen, and conveys the ignorance of the Vatican to do nothing in regards to the German mass extermination of the Jews. Director Costa-Gavras crafts a terrific drama, one that is thoroughly engaging from start to finish due to the fact that it boasts a very well thought out story that is very interesting. Amen will surely make the viewer think, ask questions, and will surely infuriate viewers. This is nonetheless an accomplished picture, one that will definitely appeal to history buffs and to anyone looking for a great film to watch. The lead actor is terrific in the part he places, and is the only one who sees and tries in vain to warn of the atrocities of the Nazis. With some stunning performances, this is an engaging picture that ranks among the finest foreign films that I have seen in quite some time. With an effective story, and exceptional direction, Amen is a richly detailed drama that is unforgettable due to its story. Brilliant, taut and thrilling, yet dramatic in its style, Costa-Gravas picture is exceptional in the way it tackles its subject. It's no secret the Vatican turned a blind eye to the Nazi Atrocities being committed in occupied territories, and this film really goes in depth on that. One thing that does stand out is the lead characters realization that what is occurring in Europe under Nazi rule is terribly wrong, and he tries desperately to tell his superiors to help stop the mass extermination of Jews. Even though Amen is a dark film by nature, it does have a glimmer of hope in the sense that one person had a conscience to do the right thing in the face of adversity.
Super Reviewer
Behind the scenes look at the Nazi story. Very thought provoking to see these things that we don't hear about in history class.
Super Reviewer
This is, by far, my favorite historical subject. Just when I thought that I have seen it all, and learned it all, another view of that horrific time comes to light. It's appalling to believe that the world stood still while millions of Jews were being sent to death camps. It's even more apalling (and blows my mind) that so many COULD have tried to stop it, but didn't due to political reasons and more. Although this film shows how the Catholic Church refused to stand up to Hitler, it also shows how a few were willing to die for the sake of humanity...including an actual SS Officer. Don't look for flash, excitement, and gore here. This is an intense, thought provoking drama. Well done!
Super Reviewer
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