"Alone in Berlin" (German-French-British co-production; 2016 release; 105 min.) brings the story of a German couple, Otto and Anna. As the movie opens, we see a young German soldier running through the weeods, and he is shot and killed. The young man's parents, Otto and Anna, are informed by letter of his death, and they don't know how to cope with this tragic news. Eventually Otto decides to speak up against the Nazis, and Hitler in particular, by leaving provocative postcards (such as: "Hitler is a liar, Hitler is a killer") in prominent public places. Anna joins him in these potentially dangerous tasks. Eventually, the Nazis become aware of this, and a manhunt is started... At this point we're 15 min. into the movie, but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the latest movie from Swiss actor/writer/producer/director Vincent Perez. Here he takes what amounts to a footnote in the annals of WWII and makes it, or at least tries to make it, into an epic battle between an elderly couple and the Nazi establishment. At certain moments, in particularly later in the film, it works quite well. But there are too many times that the films truly feels staged, I mean you can practically hear the director yell "and.... ACTION!", and an entire street with 1940s cars comes alive. The lead performances by Emma Thompson (as Anna) and Brendan Gleeson (as Otto) are fine, as they bring a quiet dignity to this couple that is so outraged by the tragic death of their son. Incidentally, it isn't until the closing credits that we get confirmation this movie is based on true events, and Otto and Elise really did exist (why they changed the woman's name to Anna, is not clear to me). Still, when all is said and done, it feels to me like the movie didn't quite carry this to its full potential, and that's a shame.

I had heard of this movie, but never had a chance to see it in the theater. I did catch it recently on Showtime. If you are interested in WWII, even if only a footnote of it, I'd suggest you check this out, be it on TV or VOD, or on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

It's 1940 Berlin. Otto (Brendan Gleeson) and Anna Quangel (Emma Thompson) are devastated when their only son is killed in the war. Otto is a quiet machinist. Quangel is part of a women's group sent to berate other women to join the war effort. She witnesses more and more injustices, and starts writing cards against the Nazis leaving them on other people's doorsteps with her husband's help. Escherich (Daniel Brühl) is the professional police detective in charge on catching the writer.

It's a compelling story adapted from a fictional book based on the real life of Otto and Elise Hampel. In many ways, the Quangels are the least interesting aspect of the movie. Their characters start at their journey's end and really has nowhere to go emotionally. Escherich's journey is a more interesting one. He should probably be the protagonist of the movie. I also don't like the overly dramatic ending. It would serve the theme of quiet resistance a lot more if Escherich continues the Quangels' method.

The picture is correctly based on actual events , set in 1940, Germany , dealing with a marriage, Otto and Anna Quangel : Brendan Gleeson-Emma Thompson who resist everyday life , while living in the heart of terror . After death his son in the line of duty, they carry out a particular resistance against the ominous Nazi regime by hand-writing cards denouncing Hitler and his government . Along the way they are mercilessly pursued by a stubborn police inspector: Daniel Bruhl who is really decided to track down the leafleteer and being supervised by a nasty villain Gestapo officer : Mikael Persbrandt who will stop at nothing to find them and at whatever means . The mission is the Message . The truth was their resistance .

Excting and thrilling movie based on the novel titled "Every Man Dies Alone" written by Hans Fallada and inspired by a true story . In fact , the author Fallada took Gestapo files in Berlín to which he was given access to develop the fascinating and attractive story. Depicting the Nazi time from a German sight point with lonely people facing off the heinous rule expanded throughout Germany and Europe . As a marriage rebels against Nazi injustice , as Otto drafted leaflets or cards , the first protest of its kind , as he scattered along the streets and buildings , similar to brothers Sophie and Hans Scholl , happenings described in "Sophie Scholl : The Final Days" 2005 starred by Julia Jentsch , concerning one of the most famous members of the German Wold War II anti-Nazi resistance movement , The White Rose . This "Alone in Berlín" 2016 is excellently played by a great plethora of actors , outstanding the starring couple , Brendan Gleeson and Emma Thompson , giving terrific performances . Along with Daniel Bruhl as the obstinate Police Inspector relentlessly chasing the leafleteer and Mikael Persbrandt as the typical brutal Nazi .

It contains an evocative and colorful cinematography by Christopher Beaucarne , being shot on location in Berlín, of course . Equally , a sensitive and adequate musical score by Alexandre Desplat . This riveting motion picture was competently directed by the famous French actor Vincent Pérez. He has played a lot of notorious films and directed a few acceptable movies, such as : "The Secret" , "Once Upon an Angel" and this "Alone in Berlín" at his best . Rating : 7/10 , notable . Better than average . The flick will appeal to Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson fans, as well as Nazi theme enthusiasts. Worthwhile watching .