Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 3/18/2019...
Michael Caine took on this role because it was the furthest thing he could imagine from his own personality. A French Nazi? Or an unfortunate victim of Nazi occupation? As well, Caine found the actual person he was portraying utterly abhorrent and irredeemable, which is somewhat odd, because we see one priest after another offering this individual absolution. His character also claims to have repented and yet we witness him killing again and again, albeit in self-defense, as he claims. One realizes later he could have simply fled the scenarios which led to him having to defend himself. All in all, really, just a trained killer and probably a sociopath. The whole situation is strange to begin with because this individual has also received an official pardon from the government and yet there are several groups still out to apprehend or kill him. He also belongs to a rather covert Catholic order which has been protecting him for decades. Many faces you'll recognize here (I couldn't stop staring at Tilda's hair...quite entrancing) and I found it all quite thought provoking.
Richard W. (rewfilmmaker) from NAPLES, FL
Reviewed on 4/1/2013...
This is one of the better, more believable thrillers with it's roots in history. It's based on a novel about France's WWII Vichy government that collaborated with the Nazis to exterminate Jews. Michael Caine's character was one of the enforcers who, years later, finds himself being pursued by different factions who all want him to pay for his crimes. Originally, I chose to watch this movie because Tilda Swinton plays a overzealous judge/prosecutor and I like to watch her conjure up a performance. One of the overarching themes is how people, during difficult times, do what they have to do, to survive. In this case that includes the Catholic Church pledging it's support for him but then hanging him out to dry. Some good lessons on life in this movie.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Betty T. (BettySunshine) from WARNER ROBINS, GA
Reviewed on 2/5/2010...
Excellent movie. Michael Caine is great, as usual. Intriguing story.