Don't Believe the Hype

Did you people see the same film I saw?

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

This is a truly powerful film. Faith is not a prerequisite to having an almost religious experience in viewing it.

"Der neunte Tag" or "The Ninth Day" is a German movie from over 10 years ago that runs for slightly over 90 minutes and was directed by Volker Schlöndorff who is still pretty famous here in Germany for directing the Oscar-winning "Die Blechtrommel". I was very underwhelmed by this one and while I am definitely not the greatest Schlöndorff fan, I can't deny he has made a couple good films and I would include this one here also as one of these I deem superior to "The Tin Drum". The best thing about it is definitely the acting. Matthes and Diehl bring their A-Game and other actors probably could not have delivered better portrayals. Both certainly elevated the material and I think that, at least back then, both count to the best Germany had to offer in their respective age groups. Hilmar Thate played a supporting character and I felt he was very good too. Then again, I may be a bit biased here as I have always liked him.The story is about a priest who is in jail at a concentration camp during the days of Nazi Germany. A German army commander offers him a deal: If he writes a letter to the Pope and encourages the Pope to approve of German politics during that era, then he (Diehl) would let him (Matthes) free and also save many of the priest's peers from being killed at the concentration camp. Of course, the priest does not believe a bit in the Nazi's claim to being the dominant race, so it is all a decision of his conscience and there is a lot of talk about the priest acting like a Judas for the good cause and for saving people's lives. Will he finally do it? I won't tell you. You need to watch for yourself.Another aspect I believe that is interesting about the movie is the fact that the Vatican is in Rome and people who know about the Italian political position in the 1930s will know that this may have complicated things a lot. Unfortunately, the basics are a lot more interesting in this movie than the actual story. The writers certainly could have made a better job here and I cannot say I approve of the script. The story offered so much more and even if the German Film Awards apparently disagree, I have to say that they did not achieve what they could have achieved here. The only true reason for watching this film is the political context, the real story it is based on and the convincing performances from the 2 lead actors. All in all, I give "Der neunte Tag" a thumbs-up and still call it a missed opportunity. Go check it out.

"The Ninth Day" is one of Volker Schlondorff's finest directorial feats. It covers an episode of the Nazi concentration Camp of Dachau in which there was a lesser known group of Catholic priests who were incarcerated and half of them exterminated by the oppressive regime that had enveloped Germany in the 30's and 40's during WW II. It particularly revolves around a priest from Luxemburg, Father Henri Kremer, who is released for a nine day period from the camp in order to develop positive relationships between the Bishop of Luxemburg and the Pope and Adolph Hitler's Nazi goals of extermination of specific groups of peoples. Ulrich Matthes plays Henri Kremer and he is very convincing in his strength of faith and love of family in his struggle to accomplish what he has been requested by the Gestapo to do. August Diehl is brilliant in his portrayal of Unterstumfuhrer Gebhardt, the demanding and ruthless Gestapo leader who degrades and tortures his victims to the nth degree. The cruel treatment and crucifixions of the priests is difficult to watch, yet this is a true recollection of events documented by the writer of the book by the same name. He was one of the few Catholic priest survivors of the camp. This film was released in 2004, and it is now on DVD and well worth the viewing for an historical standpoint with a different twist.

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