Schock (2023) User Reviews

Refreshing German genre film

[pabloknappe · 7/10 · 5 July 2023]

I went into this film not knowing what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it. In Germany there have not been a lot of good genre films in the last couple of years so this one really stood out. It is a gangster story but more in a "Drive" (2011) kind of way rather that a classical gangster picture. The look reminded me of "Good Time" (2017) or generally the Safdie Brothers' films. Here they managed to portray the city of Cologne with a uniquely dark and dirty look and it's mafia as grim and brutal as it gets.

I can recommend this to anyone who was also waiting for more genre movies in Germany.

Short and painful

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 20 February 2024]

No pun intended - just using a german title of a different movie - which has nothing to do with this one. Most may remember Chico, with the same main actor. Who has taken directing duties for this one - and also some writing assignments if I got that right.

Watching this it made me wonder, how close to the truth the world we dive in is in reality. It looks and feels like there was a lot of research that was done to create this world. Again not sure how much liberties have been taken - I would hope that medically speaking ... well there is more protection for those who need it - no matter their profession! We should be equal - but I know that is not really possible to achieve.

You can tell that the main character takes his oath seriously... to a degree that he gets in to trouble himself. Could he have done things differently? Yes - and you may wish his decisions could be ... different. Especially considering the journey and where he ends up ... you'll understand ... good genre entry from Germany.