The Ninth Day (2004)

You won't be disappointed!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

At the time of the WWII, Europe witnessed a great battle of values, beliefs, ideologies - call it what you want. Almost all roles in the movie are same sex, that is they are male, reflecting brutality and focusing the spectator on the great battle of values - here's no room for romance and no place for comedy, it's all about changing the world, and about survival. Every scene is a grand battle of values.

You may go into this, thinking that it's an interesting, unique and intense Nazi film. Think again. When I read the summary, I thought the same thing, however I was quite a bit disappointed with the end result. Granted, this is a true story, and someone's real life experiences (especially as horrible as Holcocaust survivors' usually are) are nothing to be sniffed at, this however was not one of the best WWII films I've ever seen. And, although it was a German movie, and therefore, not in English, it did make it difficult to enjoy it as much had it been an American made film, where I could have watched it in my native language. Though, I won't say that the film was bad, either. It had excellent cinematography, direction, and the acting was not only realistic, but the makeup was profoundly superb.The only things I had against the film, were that some of the scenes seemed too long, while the story dragged on. The music was cheap and not of good quality, while the story itself was written and directed very slow.All in all it wasn't a terrible film, but again, it's the kind of movie that has much more dialogue, and intellect, than most Holocaust films do. This is not a, "Shindler's List" or even a "The Pianist", but rather something more along the lines of a business Nazi movie. There were a couple of very graphic scenes, in the very beginning and then towards the middle and end, though the majority of the film is spent indoors, offices, and homes. It's not the best film dedicated to that period of time, but you might enjoy it. Just make sure you watch it in a language you'll understand completely. That will help a great deal.

This movie is full of symbols, noticeable and hidden, and takes quite a different step from other WWII movies. A test of will and faith is the lesson that we are given, and I must admit, the whole concept of Judas as the traitor and Luxembourg as the had me confused at moments because above all, "Der Neunte Tag" is a very philosophical movie.Somebody mentioned the word "propaganda of the Catholic church" in a previous comment-well here's my thoughts on this. When's the last time you celebrated Christmas, had an Ester egg, saw a Pope on TV (not to mention-DIDN'T see any Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Taoist and other important religious figures) or just passed a Catholic church on the way home. We are surrounded by propaganda, and because a monstrous conqueror of the world used it to achieve his objectives almost 70 years ago people make your so called "propaganda" of the 2nd World War as well, right? Don't be so ignorant and offended without a cause my man-it's the Catholic church that started most historical and current wars in the first place.Now, back onto the tracks. Well written, well acted (I got a chance to ask August Diehl some questions and congratulate him for his role- the 16th Ljubljana Film Festival rocks!!!), and well paced "Der Neunte Tag' is a memorable movie that has something to say and let's you decide everything else. "It's a philosophical sport, boomerang: you give something and it comes back to you"9/10 - Recommendations-Anyone seeking a thought provoking movie

I do not at all understand how someone can dismiss this film as a "Catholic propaganda movie". That's utter rubbish. I was raised catholic and have converted to paganism but this was still an excellent movie. It does not try to push the catholic faith onto anyone. What it is about is, simply, one man's principles. In an awful time, in the face of torture and abuse, when he is being confronted with the most persuasive arguments and when no one could blame him for taking the easy way out and saving himself, can he stand by what he believes? Will he save himself and then live the rest of his life hating himself for it? This movie was completely engrossing from beginning to end. It absolutely gripped my emotions and my mind and held me riveted. It also left me thinking about it and haunted by it long afterward. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. Brilliant. I found myself both attracted to and repelled by the character of the Nazi sent to persuade him. Amazing subject matter beautifully executed.