Reviews (1)

The Last Enemy
This one has more humor than any of the others I think.Morse is really going for women in these one. He has a toothache and its pretty funny. So I suggest you get a sotch and enjoy this epiosde. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Morse in God's Own Country?
Promised land begins, rather unpromisingly, with Morse and Strange observing a funeral and identifying in the grand tradition of detective movies the villains. A nod to the old Thaw series, the Sweeney, the show continues in this vein for a while as the boundaries are established, of getting the final villains, the possibility of a gang's release.

Morse is ordered to revisit a supergrass to try to uncover evidence which would resolve both the issues. The snitch has begun a new life in the equivalent of the witness protection scheme so everything appears to be straightforward.

On the eve of their departure, Lewis is more than a little miffed at having to forego his vacation, a burglary occurs at the local freesheet newspaper and in the grand Holmesian tradition, nothing is stolen.

Off our intrepid heroes set for Lewis to discover that the person they are visiting was transplanted to Australia.

There are some spectacular shots of the countryside which dwarf the car that they are driving and which serves to give a sense of perspective on the vastness of the country. In a vignette Morse discovers that he has not brought his beloved opera tape with him to play on the long drive. Lewis, searching for an alternative discovers country music, Australian style, on the radio. This again underscores the notion of Australia as a new country shaking off her connections to Britain.

On arriving at their destination the sterotypical portrayal of Australian men as boorish, gambling, womenisers is presented in a scene where Morse and Lewis venture into the local bar. In a very funny moment, Lewis orders a beer while Morse contents himself with an orange juice - a reversal of the usual position - which moves on to a condemnation by Morse of non-real ale and a perception by the locals that Morse is possibly homosexual.

The plot develops with a mysterious stranger driving a camper, the stoolie's wife is both hostile and yet welcoming. Her husband has disappeared, nothing new in that, and Morse and Lewis expend considerable energies in the search.

As the programme develops the stereotypical views of the country and it's people are challenged and they are shown to be warm, sociable, and open minded.

In the conclusion, in front of the Sydney Opera House, Lewis has resolved his issues by remaining in Australia to be joined by his wife. Morse is left in solitude with his ticket to the opera, a tragic figure who is unable to articulate his feelings.

This Morse does not have the usual twists and turns and in many ways is one of the most approachable of the shows. Regardless it is still terrific entertainment and well worth the five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

HEAVY! THOUGHTFUL!
The landscape of an island of Ireland, the music, and the subject of this movie prompts introspection in one's religious behavior, what is meaningful in such behavior, what is not.

Add to that the question of conflict of personal BELIEF with OBEDIENCE to church dogma and you have the makings of a heavy story, which the actors and director delivered in an "excellent" manner, and I rated it a "4" as a result.

There is an emotional and intellectual hangover produced by getting involved with the film, so beware. It is NOT just ENTERTAINMENT. It should make you THINK about your FAITH and the practice of it.

Bill Schaefer

Great Original Film, But Flawed Editing and Reproduction.
This made-for-TV movie from 1973 was shown full-length on U.S. public broadcasting stations in the 1970s. It is a visually and intellectually impressive film. The story line is very faithful to the 1972 book "Catholics" by Brian Moore, with only a couple of scenes sequenced differently, and in my opinion, rather more effectively than in the book. Unfortunately, later VHS versions have been shortened, with about the first ten minutes of the original film deleted. This DVD version shares the same significant defect.

The first few minutes of the original film were essential in setting the context for the conflict portrayed between the traditionalist Irish monks led by their Father Abbot (Trevor Howard), and the modernist representative (Martin Sheen) of their order's Vatican Father General. During these missing first few minutes, we would have seen Sheen meeting with the Father General (Raf Vallone) in Rome, and discussing the "problem" of the return of Latin Mass celebration by the monks of Howard's abbey and the growing world-wide popularity of that celebration. The first scene made it clear that the time period portrayed is hypothetical and futuristic. In this fabulous Roman Catholic Church, additional modifications and liberalization of doctrine are supposed to have taken place beyond those that have been in effect since Vatican II. Within the film, there are mentions of a "Vatican IV" and other hypothetical conventions. Missing the original initial scene, many may believe that the film has grossly erred in, or deliberately distorted, current Roman Catholic beliefs. This was not the motive of the movie as originally filmed, and it is a tremendous loss to the integrity of the original story that the vital first scene of the movie has been edited away. However, this does explain the crediting of Raf Vallone as Father General at the start and end of the film, when in fact Raf Vallone/Father General never appears in the VHS or DVD versions. It would be well worthwhile to read the first chapter of the book before seeing a shortened home video release, if at all possible.

The DVD video quality is disappointing. The color is washed out, and in several scenes it is strangely yellow-tinted. It is definitely inferior to my ten-year-old VHS copy issued by USA Home Video. The sound is occasionally clipped, with words lost in several places. Not so my VHS copy. The original film title was "Catholics, A Fable" but the cryptic title of "The Conflict" has been used for the DVD. The DVD also contains an idiotic special feature in the form of an interactive quiz about the movie content. One may entertain one's self with such challenging questions as "What was on the sign carried by the man in the brown suit?" or "What color was the priest's car?" The quiz even has incorrect answers!

In spite of these problems, I state without reservation that this DVD is well worth owning. Since Vatican II there has existed a Roman Catholic traditionalist movement that today seems to have more Vatican-sanctioned success than would ever have been thought possible at the time this film was made. Some have tried to relate the events portrayed in this film to that movement. But by movie's end, this film actually depicts far more important issues of religious belief, and its loss. This is a film, like the book, that will be of interest to anyone, of whatever faith or none, for whom philosophy of religion is of interest.

The acting by Trevor Howard is absolutely flawless and authentic. It is art and it is masterful and it is heartfelt and it is beautiful. Almost equally so is that of Cyril Cusack, who plays the role of Father Manus, a monk. Sheen's role is important, but not nearly as much as Howard's, and not remotely as well-crafted.

This is as intelligent and entertaining a film today as it was when it was made 30 years ago. Let us hope someone in the near future will gather an old PBS copy of the complete film, digitally re-master it, and finally give us a proper and fitting version of this film. I know of no other film that deserves it so much.

Very Inacurate Statements - terrible Video Transfer
There are two things extremely wrong with this DVD. First and most important are statements made by Martin Sheen as a representative of Rome stating that during Mass, the miracle that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ does not happen. This is one of the basic tenants of Catholic belief and a representative from Rome would NEVER state that this miracle does not happen. No wonder the monks revolt!

The transfer to DVD is HORRIBLE! The color continually fluctuates, skin tones go from almost black and white to flech tones to green tints all in the same scenes. The picture is very grainy in some scenes. One of the worst transfers I have seen.

The original title of this film was "Catholics" and, while "Conflict" is a better indication of the content of the story, it should have been released under the original title.

All things considered, in spite of strong performances, this DVD is a mess and a definite affront to Catholics.

as good as the original book
"Catholics" is a faithful adaptation of Brian Moore's novella of the same name. Trevor Howard plays the abbot who is the crux of the plot; Martin Sheen (who is one of the rare people who is just as physically gorgeous today, in his fifties, as he was when this movie was made in 1973) plays the aggressive young inquisitor from Rome. This film is only superficially about the conflict between modern and traditional strains in the Church -- the real story is about the abbot, who after a lifetime in religion has lost his faith and is afraid to try to find it again. Howard, a superlative actor, could convey more with a twitch of an eyebrow than some present-day stars can with any amount of "Method" acting. His subtle portrayal of spiritual anguish blows all the other actors, Sheen included, right off the screen. His only serious competition comes from the scenery -- the film was shot on location on the Irish coast, one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful places on earth.

A nostalgic film for Baby Boomer Papists
If you're an early Baby Boomer born and raised a Roman Catholic, then you'll likely appreciate the 1973 film CATHOLICS. If you're of any other faith, or a Catholic born later than, say, 1960, then the movie may be of only academic interest. Indeed, if you're a young Catholic today, then the issues around which the plot pivots may not be comprehensible at all.

A youthful Martin Sheen plays a priest sent by Rome to an Irish monastery located on an isolated, windswept island. His mission, to demand that the monks cease and desist celebrating the Mass in Latin. The Vatican hierarchy is attempting to modernize the Mass worldwide, i.e. have it celebrated in the vernacular, as well as promote the new policy that the Transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is symbolic, not real. Trouble is, the monastery's priests have been celebrating the Mass on the mainland in the traditional manner. More to the point, the ceremony has been televised, and is causing a pious, revivalist stir among the faithful. The pencil pushing prelates back in Rome are not pleased with this political incorrectness.

The marvelous actor Trevor Howard plays the crusty, wise, spiritually troubled, monastery abbot, who must find a way to obey the dictate of the enforcer sent down from the Big House, while avoiding a rebellion among the monks, who consider the emissary's message an abomination, and he himself disconcertingly trendy. (Faith and begorrah, he doesn't even wear the traditional, Roman clerical collar!)

Are you still with me on this, or have I lost you? If I haven't, God bless ya, darlin'. In any case, all of the acting performances are wonderful, especially Howard's. The character actors portraying the abbot's cowled flock were chosen with pure genius. And the wild Irish coastal scenery ... ah, 'tis St. Patrick's own, surely.

As I said up front, you had to be born a Papist prior to 1960, as I was, to understand what the fuss was all about. I well remember the horror with which my mother regarded the vernacular Mass. To this day, she'll seek out the Latin Mass in those rare places - sort of a doctrinal Underground - where it's still celebrated. Mom, this review is dedicated to you. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more