Good (2008)

Three reasons why this film is a waste of time and money:First, it is about the most horrific 12 years in German history and none of the actors are German, but mainly English. They don't even make an effort to hide their English accents when they utter German words. However, that is not the main problem, the main problem is that they are so English. Their entire behaviour is SO English. Either you make a film about dictatorship that could happen anywhere, anytime or a film about Nazi Germany but then there HAS to be an accurate historical, cultural portrayal of the time and people!Second, there is nothing, absolutely nothing 'good' in Halder, he is not even 'nice'. Halder is a Nazi who pretends NOT to be one. He does zero to protect his best friend while it is still time - and we are talking about his best friend, a man he shares his most intimate problems with! It is difficult to understand why he attempts to finally help him once it is too late!Third, there is nothing moving, nothing touching about this film, even the last scene in the concentration camp feels like - and I am sorry to draw this comparison but this is what it felt like watching it - a trip to the house of horrors at a funfair!What could have been an interesting, excruciating film about a man who through the choices he makes, gives in to evil and realizes too late that he was lured into a trap and has not only betrayed his best friend but is committing atrocious crimes against humanity, has gone horribly, horribly, horribly wrong! Awful, awful, awful!

I think it must have been a good play. Or perhaps they got the finance from someone who knew how the film would turn out. The acting is good, rather deliberately deadpan for the subject material. Reviews here have to be ten lines of text, although what to do when the film is only worth ten words, some of them rather short and blunt, is not specified.The film is pleading that 'good' Germans who betrayed Jewish friends and helped the Nazis round up Jewish people and send them 'away' just kind of ended up doing the holocaust by a sort of bad luck. Don't tell me that the title is supposed to be ironic.I understand it lost money. Now that is good.

****SPOILERS****Let me start this off by saying that the performances by Viggo Mortenson and Jason Issacs are fantastic. They really hold up and kept me engaged into what was going to happen next. Yet the movie is very slow so if you arn't prepared for anything with a deep meaning and a period piece you may be sadly disappointed. Let's start with camera work, it's beautiful yet there are some odd editing issues in between but other than that it was pleasing. Now to the story. The biggest problem with it is that nothing is resolved except for John's mother dies or ESPECIALLY when John is looking for Maurice at the camp it just left wondering what the whole point of the last two hours was that I watched.All in all this movie was great with fantastic performances and great camera work but with a story that's mildly confusing at times it'll just kind of leave you hanging.

I'm really surprised this film had been so badly discredited.There are a few flaws, namely with character development, especially when analysing Anna, and Handler's (Mortensen) ex wife. Their characters appear integral to the story, yet influence over Handler and his actions are often overlooked. The story jumps through time periods, which artistically I can understand, however leaves the viewer to neglect the effect of time on Handler which is an integral element to the story - and the fundamental message this film is trying to portray.However, the message is strong and delivered well. It contends with traditional notions of the mindless brutality of Nazis and Germans, and probably more accurately reflects the role of an 'ordinary German' living in this society. Too often are films based on assumptions of stereotype and the black and white portrayal of good and evil. The only flaw in message is that Handler seem's to be the exception, the only 'good' in a sea of evil, but the film is thought provoking nonetheless. It echoes similar themes surrounding the role of the perpetrator and perpetrator guilt that have become iconically associated with the Reader. It places the image of a Nazi perpetrator in a context, which is vital in understanding the circumstances in which these actions were carried out. So many films in this genre are centred around the victim experiences and developments in Germany from 1933-39, and it is interesting to see the take from the perspective of a German. The image of a Nazi is deconstructed, it emphasises the Intentionalist theory in a top-down execution of the Final Solution. It shows an average German, caught up in a corrupt society - highlighting the weakness and vulnerability, as well as potential ignorance of the average German citizen - emphasised in the last scene.Mortensen is fantastic in this, his acting is convincing and emotive. Unfortunately I feel other cast members may discredit his role, and the whole tone of the movie. However, this film is one of the most sincere and interesting modern depictions of the Holocaust I've seen, and is refreshing change to sea of trauma currently loved by Hollywood.