Colonia (2016)

Fantastic!

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The untold stories, the hidden side of the so-called modern societies. Intriguingly terrifying! However, why is it always about the Nazi? I'd really see a movie about other politic parties like the zionists for example.

Of course, this wasn't the first film to prove that shock value can be done well, but it is not common for one to use it. Shock value is usually looked down upon for reasons I'm too dumb to understand, and I approve of shock value for reasons people are too smart to understand. Colonia is based on a shocking true story about a real-life cult and it's horrific beliefs, and although we don't usually see anything, implication's enough to shock viewers, especially considering the fact that you know it's a true story. It's not shocking content-wise like A Serbian Film, it's shocking atmosphere-wise like Requiem For A Dream. Of course, it's nowhere near as good as Requiem For A Dream, yet on it's own it stands on it's two feet and confidently speaks it's opinion, using truth to convince you. I wouldn't say the film's anything special, but you'll probably remember it for a while. I think the editing could of been a bit better, but otherwise it was good. Go watch it, I think you'll like it.

When I saw the trailer for "Colonia" it looked like an absorbing film not just for the unusual subject, but because it had Emma Watson in what seemed like a fascinating role.However, before I saw it, I was aware of the negative publicity including reports that it made less than $100 when it opened in England. Now that I have seen it, my enthusiasm has tempered a little, but I still think it has a lot going for it.In 1973, German Lufthansa stewardess Lena (Emma Watson) joins Colonia Dignidad, a secret commune in Chile, to rescue her activist boyfriend Daniel (Daniel Brühl) who has been imprisoned and tortured by the secret police. The commune is run by German Paul Schäfer in a brutal fashion, and as Lena discovers, no one ever leaves.The commune is reminiscent of those places the Nazis set up to breed the Aryan Super Race before WW2 – overlaid with a liberal dash of the Branch Davidians.The German thing is pretty strong: Lena and her boyfriend are German and the commune is run by a German with plenty of ex-pat countrymen mixed in with Chileans. The fact that the film was made by Germans with some of it shot in Germany no doubt adds to the effect as does the braided hair and Oktoberfest vests. A bit of a problem though with some of the Germans speaking perfect English while others have accents that would have done Erich von Stroheim proud.Emma Watson is an engaging screen presence, and gives a powerful performance, but she gets a run for her money from Michael Nyqvist as Paul Schäfer, the scary, face-slapping leader of the colony who quotes John 8:32 "…the truth will set you free" as he delivers yet another stinging backhander.Although Emma was at least 24 when she made the film, she would have no trouble getting away with half-fare on public transport. Maybe that is the reason the bedroom scenes with Daniel Brühl, tame as they are, seem a little confronting.The escape, especially at the end, is standard Hollywood, but "Colonia" doesn't outstay its welcome. Despite not being an instant box office success, I think this film will eventually find an audience; it was out on hire for months at the Hoyts Kiosk where I eventually rented it – time will tell.

Review: I found it quite amazing that this movie was based on true events, because the controlling leader of the colony, Paul Schafer (Michael Nyqvist) really had some warped rules, which went way over the top. The photos of the real Chilean colony were touching and the fact that Lena (Emma Watson) and Daniel (Daniel Bruhl), went through so much to escape from the horrendous conditions, made the movie quite intense towards the end. Lena's love for her boyfriend was truly emotional, and I couldn't believe that no one was willing to help her to find Daniel, who went through unimaginable torture, just because he was protesting and taking photos. Personally, I wouldn't have picked Emma Watson to play Lena, because she lacked emotion and I didn't really feel the intensity of her character but Daniel Bruhl played his Daniel extremely well. Michael Nyqvist and Richenda Carey, who played Gisela, we're pretty scary throughout the movie, so I have to commend them for there performance but there wasn't much depth to the characters because the storyline jumps from a happy couple in bed, to a couple split apart, living in a cult. Anyway, I found the story intriguing and I couldn't help rooting for the couple who were in the wrong place at the wrong time but it needed more emotion. Watchable!Round-Up: This movie was directed by, German born, Florian Gallenberger, who also brought you Shadows of Time and City of War: The Story of John Rabe. I think a story like this, needed a big director because it's definitely a moment in history which a lot of people haven't heard about. I can just imagine the horrible things that must have happened within the colony, so there must be more to the true story, which wasn't brought to the big screen. With that aside, I still found this movie interesting and emotional but, for some unknown reason, it felt like there was something missing.Budget: $14million Worldwide Gross: $2.5millionI recommend this movie to people who are into their drama/romance/thrillers, starring Emma Watson, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Nyqvist, Richenda Carey, Vicky Krieps, Jeanne Werner and Julian Ovenden. 5/10