On E List of Movie Reviews
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Europa Europa (1990)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
1/08
1/08:
Europa Europa is a good, if bizarre, film about a male survivor's alternative journey during the Holocaust.
Yes, I feel most of what had transpired is unlikely because I keep thinking about Marco Hofschneider's
homosexual face and how it can undermine the believability. But I'll accept the tale for what it is.
It's true that Nazis prosecuted homosexuals and then eradicated them not too long after. One thing I'm not sure about
is if they made an identification system of homosexuals based on their facial features. Hence, the casting of Marco Hofschneider
is puzzling.
Meanwhile, Europa Europa has a weak first half because of the poor editing. Every scene feels like it has gaps, forcing
me to make assumptions. After getting past it, the second half is much better, and I'm able to follow Solly's journey
as the vision of his goal becomes less blurry.
The story is different from what I've read about the Holocaust experience. It's true that taking an alternative road
of survival was based on luck, opportunity, and skill. On the other hand, the acting is superb, the direction is well done, and
the setting is wonderfully constructed. However, the movie isn't deep enough given the light emotion shown off by the characters.
All in all, regardless of the negatives, Europa Europa is a fine Holocaust picture.