About the political unrest and the anarchist mess in the countries of South America in the early 70s of the 20th century, few feature films were shot: the directors preferred documentary chronicles covering the period of the “dirty wars” of Argentina and the peculiarities of the putsch in Chile.
The movie "Colony Dignidad" reviews of the reviewers identified as one of the most successful attempts by artisans to draw the attention of the world community to the events in Chile. The tape shows the events that took place in the country, from the coming to power of the Communists led by Salvador Allende to the establishment of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Director Florian Gallenberg, making the film “The Dignidad Colony”, took as a basis a fictional story that could happen in a real-life sectarian colony, which, in fact, was a prison for political prisoners.
Plot
“Dignidad Charitable and Educational Society” was founded in 1961 in Chile and was known as a real paradise on earth, an idyll. In fact, a sect was hidden under an idealistic screen, led by the despotic Paul Schäfer, a fugitive Nazi with dictatorial manners (played by Michael Nyquist). As soon as General Pinochet comes to power, he begins to send dissenting people there, for the latter, being in the "society" became a real hell.
Fascinated by the struggle for socialism, a young journalist from Germany, Daniel (Daniel Bruhl), and his girlfriend, the German stewardess Lena (Emma Watson), are arrested for their political correctness. After a long trial, the girl is released, and the young man faces a deplorable fate: he is sent to Dignidad, in which the followers of the sadistic religious cult rule. All who fall into the walls of the colony do not return.
Risking her freedom and life, Lena, under the guise of a cult fan, voluntarily goes to Dignidad, obsessed with the hope of saving her lover. Such a plot has the film "Colony Dignidad." The description above does not contain global spoilers.
Against the background of political battles
The historical and political drama The Colony of Dignidad received opposite reviews about the film. Experts who were skeptical about the Hallenberger project noted that this story is more suitable for documentary films, since there are too many historical personalities and aspects mentioned in it. But, according to even the most inveterate skeptics, cinema is not "totalitarian propaganda." Perhaps that is why the “Colony Dignidad” rating according to IMDb is 7.10. Moreover, the film prologue of the picture resembles the tape "What to do in case of fire" by Gregor Schnitzler. Gallenberger also actively discusses the theme of friendship and love amid political battles.
Synopsis
The visual component of the picture “Colony Dignidad” was determined by experts as perfect - from the first to the final frame. Despite the fact that the narrative is saturated with hopelessness, saturated with sorrow and pulsating tension, it contains bright colors: warm colors, picturesque landscapes, children's voices. At the beginning of the story, the authors deliberately show Daniel a cozy, perfectly furnished apartment. The cosiness creates an impression of security, and the entire space of the apartment is saturated with the scent of love due to the presence of Lena. But the situation on the street is radically opposite. The film “Colony Dignidad” is largely based on contrasts. The harmony of life of the central characters is destroyed in an instant, and then a crazy test begins in which they need to obey and pretend, constantly being on their guard.
For a narrow circle
The drama “Colony Dignidad” was criticized by critics as a movie for a narrow circle of amateur historians. But the German director Florian Gallenberger, specializing in historical and political films (his previous project “John Rabe” was devoted to the war of Japan and China, covered the massacre in Nanjing), filming an art film, to expand the intended audience, he invited the world famous actress to participate in the production of the film Emma Watson The performer finally managed to stop being Hermione.
In most modern paintings, female characters occupy second-hand positions, achieving their goals by seducing the main male characters or their natural charm. The only exceptions are Sarah Connor from Terminator and Ripley from Alien. Now they can safely be reckoned with Lena performed by Watson. Suppose she does not possess perfect weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques, but her inner strength is unlimited.
Main advantage
The heroine Watson steadily overcomes all difficulties without sparing herself. The “Dignidad Colony” (reviews of the film is proof of this) would not have been so dramatic without the participation of Emma, who managed to launch an entire campaign for gender equality. This tape is a rare case when the heroine saves the hero, and her feelings look more convincing than his.
Daniel Bruhl, who received critical acclaim from film critics after participating in the films Inglourious Basterds, Good Bye, Lenin!, Race, Fifth Power, Captain America: The First Avenger, got lost in the midst of acting. Nevertheless, Bruhl is now one of the most popular and sought-after film actors in Germany. And the drama “Colony Dignidad” is recommended by viewers for viewing because of the brilliant acting duo Watson - Bruhl, who played the main roles. And yet, despite the bright central characters, the Dignidad colony remains in the foreground of the picture.
Pure evil
In the hypostasis of the antagonist, the eerie Paul Schaefer appears in the film, in which Michael Nyquist successfully reincarnated. In the history of world cinema, such types are often found, but the performer was lucky to stand out due to his unsurpassed charisma. The character is extremely interesting - a preacher, covering up his innate cruelty, thirst for leadership, aggression "by the will of God" and noble impulses. Schaefer, sowing fear in the souls of others, has a huge impact on the congregation. He accuses the members of his sect of vices, but he himself is not without sin.
The film “Colony Dignidad” equates the hero of Nyquist with a powerful bulldozer, pushing representatives of the fair half of humanity into the earth, simultaneously pouring mud on them. Paul is the case when evil exists in itself, and there is no justification for it. Michael Nyquist brilliantly coped with the task set by the authors of the picture. His character is realistic, does not look like a caricature villain. The actor is known to the viewer for the films “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “No Connection,” and “Mission Impossible.”
Quality drama
Closer to the denouement, the film is close to Argo, the work of Ben Affleck, in terms of atmospheric tension. But in the Gallenberger project, the escape of the main characters was not carefully thought out and prepared. The viewer sees the flow of time that the characters are in the colony, thanks to cards that convey their numerous movements. They divide the narrative into chapters and notify you what day the stay is. The script of the playwright Torsten Wenzel deserves all praise; it is written flawlessly. In the script of the tape you can not find a single pointless, superfluous plot twist and branch, and the characters are alive and real.
Verdict
The film “Colony Dignidad” is recommended by experts for viewing regardless of gender or outlook on life. After all, this is primarily a high-quality drama, which will certainly leave a mark in the heart of the beholder.