The Man Between (1953) :
Brief Review -
Wasn't Carol Reed too gutsy to make such a socialised British thriller surrounding the establishment of 'Berlin Wall'? One of the biggest things to notice about this film is that it is set in the post-war era in Berlin. The narrative runs around the time just before the establishment of 'Berlin Wall' was around the corner. Reed was too gutsy to make such films those days, but this isn't as simple as those other escape thrillers. Sussane, a British woman, arrives in West Berlin just after the war and falls in love with Ivo, a former member of the Nazi atrocities. Sussane tries to get him arrested but is later happy not to have him behind bars. The love story blooms as Ivo tries to escape the border, but at the same time he has to take care of Sussane too. Despite fewer thrills, The Man Between keeps you hooked with the help of an engaging screenplay. There are no high-on-suspense moments, but the excitement is always high because of the exhausting chases. The climax literally goes against the tide to leave you with a mic drop silence for a moment. Well, that's a Carol Reed trademark, I believe. He has used the kid as suspense material. I mean, who could have predicted that after so much kindness? When it came to performances, James Mason knew the submission process. His accent was on point. The romantic curve was against his directions, but I think he managed decently. Claire Bloom, you looked so gorgeous and cute. No wonder, why Ivo called you a child and yet kissed you the very next moment. I won't say wasted, but yes, Hildegard Knef, Geoffrey Toone, and Aribert Wäscher are less used. Harry Kurnitz's risky screenplay is powered by Carol Reed's fearless vision on the silver screen. Overall, a worthy flick, but I guess this is more for European audiences than other continents.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Wasn't Carol Reed too gutsy to make such a socialised British thriller surrounding the establishment of 'Berlin Wall'? One of the biggest things to notice about this film is that it is set in the post-war era in Berlin. The narrative runs around the time just before the establishment of 'Berlin Wall' was around the corner. Reed was too gutsy to make such films those days, but this isn't as simple as those other escape thrillers. Sussane, a British woman, arrives in West Berlin just after the war and falls in love with Ivo, a former member of the Nazi atrocities. Sussane tries to get him arrested but is later happy not to have him behind bars. The love story blooms as Ivo tries to escape the border, but at the same time he has to take care of Sussane too. Despite fewer thrills, The Man Between keeps you hooked with the help of an engaging screenplay. There are no high-on-suspense moments, but the excitement is always high because of the exhausting chases. The climax literally goes against the tide to leave you with a mic drop silence for a moment. Well, that's a Carol Reed trademark, I believe. He has used the kid as suspense material. I mean, who could have predicted that after so much kindness? When it came to performances, James Mason knew the submission process. His accent was on point. The romantic curve was against his directions, but I think he managed decently. Claire Bloom, you looked so gorgeous and cute. No wonder, why Ivo called you a child and yet kissed you the very next moment. I won't say wasted, but yes, Hildegard Knef, Geoffrey Toone, and Aribert Wäscher are less used. Harry Kurnitz's risky screenplay is powered by Carol Reed's fearless vision on the silver screen. Overall, a worthy flick, but I guess this is more for European audiences than other continents.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.