Comedian Harmonists (1997)

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I wanted to rent this film because of the subject matter -- the great German singing group The Comedian Harmonists, who are still popular in Europe 75 years after the events depicted in this film.Alas, while I watched it, the sadness set in as I started to realize the inevitable was going to hit me square in the eyes.Simply put, you just can't combine these words -- the 1930s, Germany, three Jews -- without being stung by outrage, sadness, astonishment: pick your adjective. You just KNOW what's going to happen before it happens. It's too bad, but this kind of situation becomes ultimately very predictable. This is not to say that the film isn't worth seeing -- it is. There is brilliant acting, splendid sets, a wonderful (and brutally sinister) 1930s Nazi-era 'feel,' and, of course, the music (via the dubbed, original Harmonists themselves), which is nothing short of sublime. I think I'm going to stop watching films set in 1930s' Germany that involves Jewish characters. It was just too crushingly depressing a period. In this film, three tremendously talented Jews in the Harmonists sextet are victimized simply because they're Jews. This is a microcosm of the millions of great talents that were destroyed in 1930s-40s Europe simply because they were born 'non-Aryan,' as the Nazi euphemism would have it.One note: a reviewer here has commented on the wildly incongruous DVD cover, which shows a cabaret-style babe in heavy lipstick peeping out from a top hat. It's obviously a ploy to attract viewers into thinking they're going to see some sexy stuff with hot dancers, when no such thing exists. Shame on those who decided to do this cover. It's really an insult to the basic subject matter of the film.

Excellent example of how politics should stay out of art (e.g. Shostakovich in Stalin's time and blacklisting of artists in US in McCarthy era). This movie draws the viewer in - what will happen to the members of the group? Will they survive Hitler's Germany? Realistic portrayals of both squabbling and camaraderie that exists inside creative groups. Well-photographed in proper time period fashions and decor, music pleasing to the ear. A real treat!

The story of the group "Comedian Harmonists" must take its place among the best films of the 1990's, no matter from what country. The story is told in a loving and respectful way and generates genuine interest in the characters and their music- the true brotherhood of men who love to sing. I'm sure the filmmakers forgot that until 1948 the U.S. military was segregated - and also about the American flag having only 48 stars. But, who cares? Some things from the 1930s no longer exist (especially the USS Saratoga - lost in the Bikini A-bomb tests of 1946) and are impossible to recreate; but this does not detract from the period realism of the film or the wondrous performances of the entire cast. A true 10 out of 10!

The film, Comedian Harmonists, give us a different and evolving look at the effects of the racist policies of national socialism. It showed, better than I've seen, the slow, subtle changes in behavior and attitudes of both the oppressor and the oppressed --- the denial, then realization, that this could and is happening. This evolution made even more believable because this a true story about six very talented people, three of which who are Jewish, who form a musical group in 1927 in Berlin. As national socialism cements its hold on Germany, external pressure is brought on the group for containing Jewish members resulting in internal pressures within the group. The interpersonal relationships made for a compelling story. Add to this a great love story, good acting, fantastic musical score, and interesting people you come to care for, and you have a great movie. Since the film "finishes" in 1934, I particularly enjoyed the follow up at the end telling what happened to each of them. For a fascinating look at anecdotal history, I highly recommend that you see this film. Three and a half stars!!!