Search - Betrayed on DVD

Gripping film from start to finish. Excellent characters!

skunktrain | So. California, USA | 10/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another 5 star vote for this film, and well deserved it is.The artistry in this film is evident, the plot is gripping from beginning to end. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces in the cast: Betsy Blair, (a 1955 Oscar Nominee for "Marty"), "Frasier" dad John Mahoney, John Heard, and character actor Ted Levine ("Silence of the Lambs") all are here, and all do a wonderful job. (John Mahoney is especially excellent, in a chilling but affable way.)The plot unfolds slowly at first, with only faint hints of what is to come. (Actually, the less you know about this film going in, the more you will be surprised by it.) The "wholesome" farm community which seems so "normal" holds so much more--something troubling and sinister. But yet, these people still retain that "wholesome" normalness to them, even after we see what is underneath. The "normalness" never completely goes away, and in some cases, we still are actually able to sympathize with these characters, as depraved as they are. As a previous reviewer said, the "insanity of normality". "Betrayed" depicts this well.The whole cast is wonderful--Winger is compelling and convincing, as is the rest of the cast. The characterization (and acting) of Tom Berenger as the "insane/normal" Gary should be applauded particularly. All through the film his character is consistent--a man with a "normal" ability to love those close to him. Even when see how his motivations and world view are so completely warped, we see a Gary who feels deeply, loves, and wants many the "normal" things in life. These qualities do not disappear when the darker side of him is revealed, which makes his character all the more fascinating and even sympathetic at times. The "insanity of normality" is most evident in his character.Great film score by Bill Conti--understated at times, but effective. All-in-all, a fantastic film. A must-see."

Not a dull moment in this movie !

Martine Davis | the Midwest | 01/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so glad that Leonard Malton's poor review didn't keep me from purchasing this movie. I loved it. It will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. Although the subject matter is a difficult one, it is something that exists and I thought the movie did a good job of telling the story of a female FBI agent (Debra Winger) who infiltrates a white supremacist group to investigate a murder. It's too bad this movie didn't get better reviews by the critics. I found it to be better than most ! Excellent acting and directing, well worth it !"

Berenger's own favourite

Oddur | Iceland | 03/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A truly underrated film concerning white supremacy. Winger plays an FBI agent sent to investigate Berenger's character and find out if he had anything to do with a radio talkshow host getting killed. Costa-Gavras's political opinions shine here but the drama is also powerful. Winger has a real dilemma when she doesn't only fall for Berenger, but also his two children. I recommend this film, has good performances all around. Berenger himself has said that this is his favourite film."

A Surprisingly Frank Look At RAHOWA

C. Chow | Leesburg VA | 01/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me first say I'm truly shocked that anyone ever made a film this raw in 1988 or any year.

The plot: After the murder of a Jewish radio host in Chicago, FBI agent, Katy (Debra Winger) goes undercover with farmers to seduce widower and father of two, Gary (Tom Beringer). Katy forms a close bond with Gary and his family and even moves in with him. Gary is a suspect in the murder and Katy is trying to learn more about Gary's KKK terrorist group and their plan for future attacks.

The title suggests this is the classic story of love vs. duty. Katy loves Gary but she is bound by duty to take him down.

However this film is so much more. As some have already noted this is based on a true story of "The Brotherhood". A Nazi terrorist group that based itself on `The Turner Diaries' and indeed murdered a Jewish radio host and committed a high profile armored car robbery taking a record amount of money (which the FBI never recovered). The film is faithful even to their choice of firearms, Ingram Mac-10s which each member carries.

`Betrayed' accurately depicts a family trip to a Klan rally where the children shoot at paper targets of black and Jew cartoons. This Klan camp is based on Elohim City, a Nazi training camp. (The same one Timothy McVeigh was later to attend.)

They also refer to America as ZOG. Zionist Occupational Government.

`Betrayed' is smart to make no real political statement. They tell the story, we decide.

The production quality of `Betrayed ` is good with fine acting all around. Honorable mention is deserved by underrated actor John Heard who plays Katy's commander and suitor. In 1988 he was still thin.

Surprisingly a film this smart was written by Joe Eszterhas. I'm amazed Eszterhas could form complete sentences but he really did his homework in accurately depicting RAHOWA.
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