Review of City of Life and Death (2009) by Dan D — 12 Mar 2012
It's amazing that a film about such horrific subject matter could be so shallow.
City of Life and Death looks stunning, and its battle scenes will rival any... but this lacks any emotional engagement other than being asked to pity the countless victims that are paraded infront of the viewer for an unrelenting 2 hours of misery porn.
It is important this story is told. It does not however, automatically make it an interesting watch.
So much could have been done with this story, and the characters involved - but they come across as simplistic, two-dimensional, and sometimes just plain boring. Mr Tang could have been fascinating... but instead of any examination of his decision to protect his family by serving the Nazis, whilst his countrymen are slaughtered around him, he just seems oblivious to the violence.
Similarly, Mr Rabe, the Nazi, seems another simplistic character... only shown crying and wailing over the carnage that takes place.
This film offers little but the most shallow emotional engagement with its subjects... which is a shame, because it could've been spectacular - particularly with how glossy it looks.
This review of City of Life and Death (2009) was written by Dan D on 12 Mar 2012.
City of Life and Death has generally received very positive reviews.
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