Review of Colonia (2016) by Anonymous User — 10 Jun 2016

Spent a Saturday afternoon engrossed in this new film, based on actual events. Difficult at times to watch, I wanted to shut it off but I became invested & needed to know the fate of the leading characters.

The film did a good job drawing me in during the first 15 minutes. Daniel Bruhl & Emma Watson are such good actors, they make you feel as though you could be living their lives. Their onscreen chemistry is powerful.

Michael Nyqvist is convincing in his role as a monstrous preacher & I got a real kick out of Julian Ovenden, who plays a Lufthansa pilot with heart & soul. I usually agree with most critical reviews, however, in this case my rating is much higher.

I did not watch the film expecting a documentary or an intricate study of the political situatuation & characters. What I was hoping for was a well acted, intriguing storyline. I had to pinch myself, thinking 'Yes, atrocities like this did really occur & are probably still occurring in some parts of the world.

Those poor victims.' ... & then I take comfort in the knowledge that people like 'Daniel', 'Lena' & 'Roman' put their own lives at risk to expose these crimes for the world to see.

I found myself crying, smiling & cheering for the good guys ... all wrapped up in a visually appealing film. I'd say the production was a great success.