Being a History Buff, I had to check this movie out. Normally I'm disappointed by movies based on books. Usually, the director's artistic vision moves from the topic, and deludes the movie. However, the director stayed true to his work, and what we are left with is one of the least known, but most stunning films ever produced by the United States. While some people may consider the ending a downer, I consider it tragically poetic. Hauer's SS officer and Richardson's journalist characters fate is in perfect mood with the topic. They make a sacrifice that brings the point of the movie home to the viewer even more. No, the hero doesn't always live to tell his tales. Instead, the tale is told by the son, who's admiration for his father grew ten fold. HBO made it's mark on it's original movies with Fatherland, and "And the Band Played On." Dark, unforgiving, and gritty stories that serve a reminder. A reminder of the dark places man can go. I can see why some would consider the end to be a downer. I think it only reinforces the impact the film is meant to have.
Review of Fatherland
