Review of The Believer (2001) by Vilém S — 13 Apr 2009

I dont know much about Judaism and the Torah but I can say now after having seen The Believer that I am more interested than before. Though I did expect more development on the expansion of Neo-Nazism in America from the film, I soon realized that it was more focused to the character of Daniel Balint and his transformation and re-transformation.

Ryan Gosling carries this film along with the writing, specifically the articulate dialogue. I could watch the cafe scene over and over again when he describes for the first time why he hates the Jews.

Also, the scene when they are taking a sensitivity class and you can see that slight tear in his eye indicating his inner conflict for the first time in the film. And lastly the imagination playing in his mind of the horrific action of a SS officer murdering a child which runs from him being the culprit to the vicitim.

That particular scene reminds me of a Rang De Basanti scene in which the dramatization of Jalianwalabagh occurs portraying who is vicitimized by who in the Indian political system today. The Believer sparks an interest, lingers in your mind and creeps into your thoughts.

It is an intellectual film and it is definitely worth watching.