Review of The Black Gestapo (1975) by Zaar D — 02 Jun 2004

The film begins and ends strong, it's everything in the middle that's so cheesy and predictable that it takes the fun out of watching. There are films where predictability can work and some where it can't, and, especially with the heavy political and racial undertones of this film, predictability does not lean in the favor of this story.

One way I gauge films is if there is another way to end it that makes a bigger or lasting effect or if there are spots of dialogue which are dry or unnecessary or if you find yourself substituting dialogue for what the characters are saying, that's usually a bad sign. A good film will keep your mouth shut, for the most part and have your attention from beginning to end. A good film jerks you around like a roller coaster. This is not that kind of film.

While comparing the Black Gestapo to the Nazis is an ambition and perhaps fatal conception, what the viewer ultimately cares about is the story, the rise and fall of this gestapo and frankly, this film leaves much to be desired.