THE ZONE OF INTEREST - Movie Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มี.ค. 2024
- APOLOGIES....I said the film takes place in Germany. It's in Auschwitz. My bad.
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I’ve been watching your excellent postings/reviews for almost a decade, and I’m extremely entranced by your ‘Watchmen’ book, on your upper bookshelf, which NEVER moves. It just sort of sits there, not pulled out, not pushed in all the way. Does that poor little book have a life, outside of that tiny little spot, on your upper bookshelf? I’ve sort of grown attached to that little book, waiting for your next posting, when that book is maybe finally acknowledged.
Same with that writing manual directly to her right lol
@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLLNo, it's her apartment.
@chrismcdowell7138 She mentioned it in her bookshelf review video.
Glazer did it again. He doesnt make a movie often but when he does its a must see
For me the single most powerful moment in the movie was when he was dry heaving. Even though his mind didn't confront him with the horror of what he's done, his body eventually expressed how disgusting it was. But also the fact that nothing came out of him was symbolic of the moral emptiness in him.
Of all the movies from 2023, this one has never left my mind.
It was my favorite film of the year as well. The most powerful film I've seen in a very, very long time. The constant background sounds were brilliant, in particular. Oh, and the fact that he's reading Hansel and Gretel, a story that ends with a woman being burned alive in an oven was chilling.
Missed that detail!
@@JarJarKinky He explicitly reads the scene in which she's put in the oven to his daughter. Not sure how you'd miss it.
I love your mechanism of life/revolving door example. Also, I like that you brought attention to the film's Kubrickian similarities, standards of kindness, and desensitization. Awesome review, thanks for the upload. 👌
Just saw this yesterday. I very much respect that it stayed true to its premise throughout. I especially was amazed by the restraint of the narrative. Even in the movie's final moments -- where powerful images were shown to the audience without going to the more visceral, horrific (perhaps expected) material that haunts us to this day -- it stayed the course. This movie was Hannah Arendt transferred into a work of art. Amazing.
Agreed.
I felt that 'restraint' itself became a gimmick, it ended up having the opposite effect it intended and became ironically MORE sensational in a way than the 'mainstream' cinematic language it seeks to subvert. Its commitment to the bit overpowered everything and it became not much more than a demonstration of just how 'restrained' or whatever it could be
@@helvete_ingres4717
Care to explain that nonsensical word salad? You sounded like someone who read a review where a paid critic mentioned ":mainstream cinematic language" (an overused phrase that means nothing) and repeated it in a failed effort to sound like Rex Reed's more hip cousin or something.
@@GizmoBeach it's quite self-explanatory, have you considered you're simply dumb and projecting rage at your own inadequacy towards random comments on TH-cam?
@@helvete_ingres4717 I mean you're basically saying in your own way that it did a better job of being impactful and meaningful by being reserved.
Yeah, I noticed Hoss seemed to be more affectionate towards his horse and was going to miss his horse more than his wife, when he went to Berlin.
love for flowers, animals and hatred for fellow humans
That may have been a reference to Theweleit's book 'Male Tendencies', there's a whole section dedicated to the Nazis obsession with horses.
Yes, as pathetic as this may sound, his love for the horse was the one thing that was relatable, indicating at least he could love something….Seemingly Hoss was devoted and loving to his children as well, as the wife was cold, detached and narcissistic….I sensed he recognized she was limited emotionally and picked up the slack by nurturing the children when he could to the best of his ability……Sadly, even the “best of his abilities” was not enough! One word, cold!
maybe cold doesn't cut it, as you mention he had warmth to horses, flowers and you see a nazi stroke a dog, cold to the jewish community, yes, it makes the whole thing even more bonkers! thanks for pointing it out. @@skyeblu1722
classy behavior of germans from that time/era
About time! Been waiting for your review for ages.
Excellent review as always. I'm looking forward to rewatching again. Thanks
Maggie your reviews are always so insightful . Thanks for your work
I love the design of their house and what's so conflicting is they are living beside all the horrors of that time. Us viewers have that same feeling as Hedwig's mother, we can admire what the house looks like but at the end of the day we couldn't stomach the stench and the murders because it's pure evil.
@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL Hedwig's mother simply leaves in the middle of the night If I recall correctly. There is a note that is left behind but Hedwig tears it up and throws it away.
@@nyibangocosta6367 yeah. And there’s one very brief scene of anonymous ppl in another house further away, where the stench seems to be overwhelming.
You should have more subscribers. Brilliantly eloquent and nuanced review.
she has loads@!
Finally saw this. Your review is pretty spot on. The way he went about the story is what makes this work. This is one of those movies you need to see at least once
Superb analysis, maybe the best I've read/seen on internet. Especially the way you read the ending of the movie. I love your vlog.
Great review. You are on strong philosophical ground here.
So insightful, thank you for helping my understanding in this film that will not leave my current memory for a long time.
Been waiting for this review. You never disappoint!
I saw this film a few times and was obsessed with it for about a week. One thing id like to add is that so many people find the last act when Rudolf goes away to be dull and lose steam but i think it perfectly captures the tide turning against the Germans in the war. The ending is incredible also, shocked to find so many ppl online hating it.
Exactly. As the Allied Powers advanced the Germans became more desperate to eradicate the evidence of their sickening genocide. Hence the mass deportations. And we see evidence of that tide turning in the radio report of a bombing raid killing Air Force recruits...I kept hoping troops would storm in and give those Nazis a taste of their evil but this was no sensationalist, Tarantino Revisionist History for Dummies Who Like a Happy but Silly Ending kind of film.
Never been in more complete agreement with your take on a movie, really blew me away. I came across Under the Skin randomly on tv a few years ago and had no idea about it at all, and I came away with a similar kind of reaction. Going into this I knew nothing other than the same guy made it so I figured it would be interesting, but the clips made it seem largely like a family melodrama...it's just really jolting when a film completely confounds your expectations and shows you something you've never seen before. Truly moving and powerful stuff. I think the most shattering aspect of it all is his daughter, who is clearly deeply traumatized, but it's presented as you said in such a subtle and understated way that you almost miss it. Stunning.
Really enjoyed listening to u talk about the film. I nearly fell asleep during my watching of the actual film tho. But hey, I finally seen all the best picture noms!
I always love the backwards Watchmen cover on the shelf next to you. Background looks better on the right, does it?
Rudolf's retching moments were the only clue that hidden somewhere behind that cool facade there was something resembling a real human being. This isn't the first Glazer film that's lingered in my imagination. "Birth" stuck with me for months.
Great to hear your clear and well-worded movie reviews 👍! And agree, the power of it, is unwavering..
A unique aspect of this film, it that its impact lies in the knowledge and feelings of what each individual viewer has of that horrific period of our human history.
If a viewer has very little, or no historical awareness or this period... think of how this movie would seem to them.
I watched it in the cinema last Friday. And it was on my mind the whole weekend and will stay with me for a very long time. What a horrifying experience - as it should be. Masterfully done.
Thank you for this fabulous review, the best I’ve yet heard or read. You’ve made me think how Chekhovian this film is.
I haven't seen it (yet) but you are 100% spot on. It's easy to sit here in 2024 in judgement and say, "I'd never be a Nazi!", but you've never been starving for food. You never had money that had no value. You've never had children who don't know where their next meal is coming from. There are no jobs, no unemployment benefits, there is literally nothing but despair not just for you but for everyone in the country. Your neighbors, your friends and family are all starving and dying. And then someone offers you food, a job, a beacon of hope. His speeches are inspiring and talk of rebuilding communities where all people have opportunities to provide for their families, to reverse the indignities borne of previous weak leadership, to participate in creating a strong, vibrant nation lasting 1,000 years. His promises soon become reality and food arrives in abundance and new jobs are created. You begin to feel proud of your hard work in the factories and your self-esteem slowly rises. You may not agree with everything the new leader espouses but isn't that what politicians do? Exaggerate in order to motivate? Besides, there is no one else to lead this once proud nation. And so, just like your neighbor, you join and now you are part of something bigger than yourself. Something strong and worthy and growing. And soon you begin to think, maybe our leader is right, maybe it is their fault and we would be better off without them here in our new nation. That moral part of you, that humanity, has been replaced, slowly over time, by something else you'd never considered before.
And that's how it happens. Your desperation gets used against you. You know it's wrong but you can't stop it from happening.
I sort of disagree. If these were the soldiers in the front who have little control of the situation I would agree with your assessment. However these are educated people with some influence making active choices and benefiting financially from them ( like the wife enjoying the coats, jewelry etc from the camp). I like this film because often people are portrayed as evil all the time, but evil people can be “good” parents and not litter and keep a nice house. I will say as an appreciator of Bonhoeffer I do believe that people even in terrible situations do have choice. Many just go with the easier, more lucrative more let’s make a scapegoat option as justification.
He was a mgga guy. Make germany great again. Exactly!
Your review perfectly captures the deep existential layer of the film. Thank you.
Maggie you should get on some podcast shows and do some major film discussions! You have a TON to say! I know people in the media space.
she is, this is a big platform.
Agree, Maggie and Mark Kermode could easily write film reviews for a major newspaper or magazine… they both are highly qualified and knowledgeable and passionate and insightful…
@@Vortexfilmclub I know. Such an odd thing to say. "Hey you shouldnt make movie reviews on the LARGEST MEDIA PLATFORM IN THE WORLD, come talk on my small podcast!"
Love your take on the ending as well. You should rewatch Under the Skin now! I recently rewatched all of Glazer’s other films
one of your best reviews, btw you said "the more that I WATCH it, the more SOUND it FEELS" idk if you wrote that down first but it was a cool sentence
A masterful piece of cinema. I watched it a month ago and was haunted by the juxtaposition of events conveyed. Also, the sounds were innovative, subtle, and heartbreaking.
I really liked your take on this film, which I agree is the best I have seen in the last year. To me, it’s the boldness and integrity of the choices Glazer makes - he strips away all artífice and conventional narrative devices. I loved the fact that he used the book as a starting point to do research on what really went on and get closer to that. I haven’t seen it 5 times (!) but I’ll give it another go, most likely.
Excellent review. This film is a true testament to Hannah Ardent's "The Banality of Evil," where everyday images are inseparable from violent actions. Many of the images in this film are so striking, like when Rudolf goes into the yard to smoke, and the lit cigarette contrasts with smoke bellowing from a furnace in the distance. It's an amazing film and easily one of the best cinematic experiences I've had in recent memory.
The war on Gaza taking place as we speak is an even truer testament to Hannah Ardent's "The Banality of Evil"
@@imenzarrouk1448🤫shh you’re not supposed to see the truth
I want to see this movie! However, I’ve recently been diagnosed with depression. My therapist suggested not to see it in the theater due to the immensity of the message. The polarizing aspects of this movie is brilliant! We all do this to some degree! Survival Thank you for this impeccable review!
My accountant said to me do not see it, wasted 10$. 0 stars.
Great review! Well done, perfectly put.
Hello. I haven't yet seen the film, or read Martin Amis's novel, but I wonder if the story was inspired by a 2011 documentary called "Hitler's Children", which documented the lives of several descendants of Nazi leaders. One of them was Rainer Hoess, the grandson of Rudolf Hoess, who has an old photograph of the garden bordering the camp, which he visits toward the end of the film. In any case, thank you for the insightful review.
Wow, I'm very impressed that you've seen the film so many times and that you've dealt with the subject matter so deeply.
We in Germany have basically been doing this since we were born and sometimes it's not that easy because the Holocaust has a completely different status here.
Anyway, I really like the way you view films.
Great review, happy you got to this one! Not my favorite of the year, but certainly one of the best!
The premise is genius. Reminds me of Life is Beautiful. My mother worked in a Japanese aircraft factory during the war. Although I'm sure she didn't approve of all the Japanese military did, she survived the war and married an American.
It reminded me of a grown up version of boy in striped pyjamas
Fantastic review! This film was phenomenal….. Keep up your brilliant work.
It's a beautiful review. One of your very best.
Would love to hear your opinion on Boy and The Heron. One of my favourites from last year
Review was as thoughtful and layered as the film, thank you
Maggie says early in the video about this being the second year in a row she sees her favorite film of the year after she releases her top 10 list. I can’t seem to remember, which one was her favorite last year?
Having just returned after two weeks of visiting family 400 miles away this was the first film of 2024 for me that I hadn't seen before which would be considered "a new film" for this year although it was first released late December in the USA.
Had other things on my "watch list" but deleted them so as to stay on budget this year and not spend precious retirement income on frivolities like movies etc. until further notice. Now that I've found new (and far less expensive) lodgings, I'm hyped to start catching up on what I've missed so far. And after seeing "Zone" it'll be tough to find something as impactful and gut-wrenching.
I'm old enough to remember The Wannsee Conference (1984) when it was new but Zone feels more sinister w/o the viewer shown directly what's taking place beyond a facade of bucolic country life, even while it's just past that wall over yonder. Much like the conclusion of The House that Jack Built ("That's how deep the deepest Hell goes" as that high-pitch hum drones on) we see kids playing and women discussing trivial things and guests partying amidst a backdrop of gunshots, screams, wails. Like "It's over there, no worries."
We also see a child play-acting what he's seen out his window w/ toy soldiers and the hausfrau casually mentioning she'd have her servant cremated and a gardener spreading ashes that we instantly recognize as human remains. I'm sure many have mentioned "the banality of evil" while writing their opinions of this film, but Glazer has captured that morbid phrase perfectly.
Watched this movie on VOD a couple weeks ago.
In my opinion this is easily the best directed movie of 2023. Everything about it is so METICULOUS from beginning to end. Glazer pretty much nailed it.
This movie is pretty much the EPITOME of the following:
"Happiness caused by suffering is NOT true happiness at all".
The meticulous aspect actually made me hate this movie lol. But I think if I knew what to expect beforehand I probably would’ve liked the movie more
I have not seen this movie yet , but I certainly will based on your informative review .
Many thanks for the recommendation !
Very good review, I'm glad you liked it, it was my favourite film of 2023.
I cannot agree that Rudolph has no emotions though. Throughout the whole film you can see some signs of almost physiological reactions he has to a repressed reality. His stomach aches, underlying stress, and a final scene when he looks clearly at the prospect of his future legacy.
He clearly has an idea about the scale of his atrocious actions, he compartmentalized those thoughts and emotions but his subconscious is hitting him hard in the last scenes.
He chooses to remain a part of the mechanism of death and willingly descends down the dark corridor.
100%. You see especially in the scene where they were in the river. I love the symbolism of the tainted river even impacting his family. And I think it REALLY gets to him.
@@lockekappa500 Also, the scene where he's washing himself after the sexual intercourse - almost like a Pontius Pilate hand washing from responsibility. It clearly takes a toll on him.
@@mrMitrycz Yup. There's constantly symbolism of them "washing their consciences clean" Definitely no absolution of the two main characters.
Amazing review of an amazing film. Of course most wouldn't protest the nazis if one lived in germany at the time. Firstly, it was the way of life, normalized, so most didn't even think about it. Secondly, it was illegal, which was a strong incentive to not do anything even if you wanted.
I think a good way of knowing if you'd be protesting the nazis (at least in your mind) is if you are protesting against our time's biggest injustice - namely the exploitation and killing of non-human animals. Most don't even think about it, or think about it for a moment and then goes on with life, perhaps buying a chicken sandwich. You said it quite tellingly yourself: "the moment I crack an egg, someone is dying of starvation." Yes, it's true that some human is dying of starvation, but it is also true that the moment you bought that egg, you finance the exploitation and killing of sentient beings.
Very well said.
@@davey8914 Thank you
I watched this last night. In my sixty-something years I’ve never had a movie have such an emotional impact on me. And here, the next day, the drip, drip, drip of of the mundane circling around horrors unseen, still lingers.
Great review for this masterpiece. Best film I've seen in a very very long time. A towering achievement.
I agree! Favorite movie of the year. Hard to recommend, but I couldn't help but feel haunted by this movie.
My niece watched the boy with the striped pajamas when she was around ten. She was devastated. I haven't watched this movie yet but that came to mind.
Fantastic review 👏👏
This film is a masterpiece. Its so complex to almost build another movie within just the sound aspect, but that its never acknowledged by the things you see.
I remember watching it and the whole time I was completely entranced how chilling it was. Jonathan Glazer is such an interesting filmmaker and I loved ‘Under the Skin’
what a beautiful review.The film has haunted me since i saw it. I find that it is particularly timely, the selective sensitivity that we show. Large scale atrocities happen in current time and we choose to ignore. The villains will not appear gros-plan with dramatic drums soundtrack. You listen to them on tv while making coffee
next request: do "all of us strangers"review please.My third favourite film of 2023
no mention of Mica Levi kind of saddens me haha no but Really imo this is one of if not your best reviews! 10/10
end credits great music
Thanks for posting this video.
I’m so glad you liked it. I was wondering what you were going to think. I thought it was masterful and refreshing and really got under my skin. Made me sick but also made you really question your purpose and actions
Same as you. I also made my top 10 list before seeing this one,and now that I have seen it three times already, I can say that this is not only the best movie of 2023 but also one of the best of the 21st century.
To me, I didn't feel like this film had much to offer beyond its initial message and theme. I feel like it could've been half the length and very little would've been affected in terms of what it was getting across. I don't want to be dismissive of a film with this kind of subject matter, but I felt like it ended up being less evocative than was intended
My grandfather was interred in Stalag Luft IV during WW2. Based on his recollections, there were German guards that were not much better off than the prisoners, and they were "ok", and there were also total monsters (google "Big Stoop" for reference). There was definitely more of a "grey area" of morality in the POW camps than in the concentration camps, but the camps were all horrible.
great review!
Fully agree, just left the cinema and read the imdb trivia, endlessly fascinating to see many details that seemed like speculation actually taking place + what an insane effort this production was. A true masterpiece, I hope this gets shown in German schools in the future instead of "Schindler's List". Le chambres rouges and Zone of Interest are so far my favourites of 2023.
Brilliant review
I would love to hear your thoughts on Jonathan Glazer's Birth. It was pretty trashed when it came out. Nowadays it has a big following. I love so much about it but also find it baffling.
Experiencing the movie through sound is not just a gimmick, it's denying us the visceral experience that we usually expect from these movies. The movie goes out of its way to deny us from experiencing the atrocities we can only hear in the distance. But at times I craved to see more, to view the scenes fully-realized. And I realize those cravings comes from a safe distance -- from the luxury of sitting in a movie theater 100 years beyond the historical time period that these events occurred. And at the same time we can understand the family's instinct to shut out and buffer themselves from the engaging in the destruction and depression around them. That dichotomy of wanting to see more, yet not, is so well explored in this film.
Great review! I love this director.
The house is next to Auschwitz, In Poland, not Germany
lol...you're right. My bad. Thanks.
@@deepfocuslens Many people in the crew are Polish, as well. Łukasz Szał from Ida and Cold War was the cinematographer. I saw it at Cannes last year and rewatched it a few weeks ago. I think it's a failure. I rewatched it to see if I would change my mind, but sadly no. I was actually more irritated by certain factors (including the editing) the second time around. I don't think the form is rigorous enough and that Glazer is stuck on technicalities.
To be honest, in Cannes, I started sighing as soon as I heard the opening music against the black background, signalling "important film incoming". I also find the ending quite cheap, and Levy's end music even more annoying in its attempt to conjure an immersive experience.
I like the idea of the tools and clothes looking brand new, which goes against stereotypes of historical films, and it was interesting to hear the Polish costume designer address that issue at the press conference.
I visited Auschwitz many years ago. I was sceptical and thought it would be like visiting any museum. Instead, it was one of the strongest moments in my life. In those days, the "guides" were former prisoners who talked objectively about what occurred. The walk along the train track between Auschwitz and Birkenau is one I will never forget, nor the sheer size of Birkenau.
I always appreciate your thoughtful reviews, whether I agree with them or not.
In 1939 and during WWII about 25% of occupied Poland was annexed by Nazi Germany and placed directly under German civil administration in Berlin, including the land of Auschwitz during its establishment and operation. The rest of Nazi-occupied Poland was a "General Government district." Thes annexed lands were meant (at murderous expense of others) to become permanently German. After the Soviet Union in 1945 took control over these territories (including the camp), the German population fled or was expelled, and the lands were taken from Germany and became part of the People's Republic of Poland, a Soviet bloc country until 1989.
That's not funny :( @@deepfocuslens
@@munch314get a grip
So glad you enjoyed this film! I thought it was incredible.
Great film. I saw it in theater and was struck by the soundscape design. Obviously I was struck by everything else as well. I just think no one else has been talking about the soundscape.
Great review per usual
Wasn't expecting the existential reflection in my beer can after dinner, but oop, there it is
Hi. I'd be interested to see what you think of Past Lives by Celine Song, from last year:) It has nothing to do with The Zone Of Interest, nor is it a challenging, 'pushing-the-envelope' film like you love them, but I think it's a masterpiece of subtlety and emotion, with great performances and a really assured direction, especially for a first film.
If this is based on the Martin Amis book, I have that but haven't finished it ... Been really off on my reading lately ... And my writing ...
I´ve come to appreciate a nice poetic Happy End in which the protagonist suddenly starts to vomit = The Act of Killing.
the story is taking place right now
Good review
The ending is a reference to the documentary The Act of Killing which if you haven’t seen is a MUST see
The Zone of Interest shook me to the core as it revels in unfathomable horror with sounds. Also doesn't offer Spielberg's ending. It forces one to face -- despite few happy endings there are millions more miserable stories we choose to ignore.
EDIT: PS: Your reviews are spot on, always look forward to your videos. You may like one of the year's best 'All of us strangers'
nice review
Yes yes yes & yes. Just saw this film yesterday. I appreciate all the topics & themes you point out, as I too felt the same while watching. Visceral. Effectively disturbing
I suspected you would love this film as you share my love of Lynch movies, and the sound design reminded me strongly of Lynch, especially in how unsettling it was, while the visuals were more Kubrickian. I only saw this film after I thought I'd compiled my final list for 2023 (with a handful of 2022 films I saw last year), and I had to rework it. For what it's worth, here is my top fifteen (I haven't watched _Poor Things_ or _Anatomy of a Fall_ unfortunately):
1. The Zone of Interest
2. Past Lives
3. All of Us Strangers
4. The Unknown Country
5. Saltburn
6. The Holdovers
7. Oppenheimer
8. Killers of the Flower Moon
9. The Beasts
10. A Thousand and One
11. Skinamarink
12. Fallen Leaves
13. Talk to Me
14. Reality
15. May December
One of the rare films with sequences that felt incredibly "Lynchian" to me, which is a term that I think is generally overused. Cool that someone else felt similarly :)
Also, good list!
@@JarJarKinky Yes, I agree it gets overused, and I was even a little hesitant to use the term, so thank you for getting what I was saying.
Always love this girl and her takes
I thought the film had one rather obvious observation on its mind, which was clearly stated within minutes, and after that it was just a couple of the most tedious hours I have ever spent in a movie theater.
What was your favorite film of 2022 that you didn't see in 2022? I could be forgetting but I'm not sure if you reviewed it or even mentioned it by name.
Did Glazer actually struggle with interpreting this material or is that your interpretation? I never heard about that. Maybe he mentioned it in an interview or article i missed?
He said it in a popular interview on youtube.
House is based in Oświęcim, Poland.
Best movie of the year by far. See it in the movies if possible. Incredible sound from beginning to end. Devastating.
I thought it was brilliant. The music and sound design was so unsettling. It's the first movie of his that I've seen - I've since gone back to watch Under the Skin (twice), which I loved and Sexy Beast, which was good. You can definitely see the evolution of his craft.
have you seen & reviewed the film Cabrini directed by Alejandro Monteverde ? Just saw it , what a surprise, was really good.
I know this isn’t the best place to check, but is it streaming yet?
Only pay to watch atm. Not free on any streaming services.
Well we get into Morbid Angel type of stuff right as we speak and that's just not me. I'm highly open to "questioning" as I said. So you feel emotion which you do not like at all. I feel something nice coming up, which it's like butterflies in my stomach and I love that very much. Go on.
Did you watch perfect days, if so are you planning to review it?
My #1 as well. Tremendous review ❤
A very compelling film , so many angles to it and I will give it a second watch now I understand it a lot more.
agree with everything you said! definitely my movie of the year.
I'd really love to hear what you think of Johnathan Glazer's speech at the Oscars