It is not easy to write a review about a film which is so disturbing like the Golden Glove. In the beginning I was very disappointed, but I gave this film some second thoughts and I believe that this is truly a masterpiece, a unique film of its kind. The film reproduces perfectly the atmosphere of post-war Germany with the poverty that existed beneath the artificial "economic progress" and all the personal disasters that had resulted from Nazi Germany and World War II. History is still there, wandering in Hamburg, and manifesting itself in one of the worst places in town, the Golden Glove bar. And in the middle of this marginal "society" there is Honka, a literal monster. But it is clear that he has become one due to the circumstances, his heavy alcoholism, his horrible appearance and the resulting rejection, and his abandonment by everyone except his brother. It is not a very far distance from there to the monster that we see on screen. Akin shows everything in the most original way, with a terrific direction. He is setting up a scenery that is so authentic that it is unbelievable, and this is supported by the outstanding performances of the actors. Yes, we are utterly shocked when we see this film, and that's not because of the excessive violence but because it is recreated so truly. We can relate this film to existing situations, which gladly not always result in murder. This film is made to shock us and make us reflect on how we can prevent any human being from becoming like Honka, how we can combat alcoholism and drugs and how we can fight against poverty, so that noone can fall in the hands of such a monster so easily. But this film is definitely not to watch for anyone who cannot bear watching violence on screen at its most extreme. And this must be clearly communicated before the film, as it can be a very painful experience.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Happy Day
(1976)
Be happy or die
16 November 2019
I saw this movie on the eve of the anniversary of November 17th (The memorial day for the student's uprising against the Greek military junta in the early 70's). Even though the movie refers to that period, it also conveys a timeless message. It is filmed on a Greek island which used to be home to a detention camp for political prisoners. Voulgaris is using the original scenery to re-create the real atmosphere of these remote island-prisons, and it really pays off. What surprised me the most, is that the movie is not at all documentary-like, but rather a surrealist, innovative piece of work. And there could be no better title than "happy day" to describe it. The barbaric authorities of the island are forcing all the prisoners to completely submit to their power, not only physically but also mentally. Everybody has to pretend being happy and fulfil countless meaningless tasks until his personality and imagination is crushed. The penalty for not submitting to this madness is death. But the continuous presence of violence is not as straight-forward as someone would expect - it is often implied but not often physically applied, except for the "unremorseful". I would say that it exists more on a subtle level, which is even more shocking. See this movie if you get the chance, especially if you are Greek.
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