Funeral in Berlin

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Alex E A really good film with Michael Caine. 5 stars from me. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/04/24 Full Review Paul M Eva Renzi is worth watching doing the washing up, loved it if only Berlin was still like this Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Beautifully evocative but with Eva Renzi could have been so much more Bond like, really pleasant 2 hours if you like Berlin Wall capers Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review matthew d Betrayal and dangerous around every corner in Berlin. Guy Hamilton's spy thriller mystery Funeral in Berlin (1966) is one of the best espionage movies I've ever seen. It's cool that Guy Hamilton could direct a serious and superior spy picture after his James Bond classic Goldfinger, before his string of solid Bond movies afterwards. Hamilton adds a wonderful sense of British humor to these shady dealings in East Berlin. Hamilton's direction keeps you distracted with obvious and hidden Red Herrings, so that you never guess the real motivations and twists in his shadowy espionage tale. There is a dark, yet pleasant atmosphere to Funeral in Berlin that I can easily see myself revisiting soon. Michael Caine is just as cool, smart, and hilarious as English spy Harry Palmer. His irreverent humor and dry British wit mesh well with this story of betrayal and identity. Caine gives one of his best acting performances in Funeral in Berlin with his cavalier attitude and easy charm. You always trust that Palmer knows what is happening and has planned for any eventuality. Paul Hubschmid is interesting as Palmer's German contact Johnnie Vulkan. His rapport with Caine is fun and keeps your attention away from Vulkan when necessary. Oskar Homolka is funny and intense as the sinister Colonel Stok, who is trying to defect to England. His reminiscences about The Russian Revolution of 1917 to his casual remarks about Caine's manner are neat. Eva Renzi is beautiful, sultry, flirty, and captivating with her serious gravitas as Samantha Steel. Her encounters with Michael Caine are very funny and important. It's nice to see Guy Dolman return as Palmer's English spy boss Colonel Ross. He's so disaffected by Caine's humor and insolence, that it's even funnier. Hugh Burden is intriguing as Hallam, while I loved the brief role from Gunter Meisner as the ultimate escape artist Kreutzman. Funeral in Berlin is also a worthy sequel to Sidney J. Furie's original film The Ipcress File. Len Deighton's novel is brought to life with an attention to details with clues being constantly unveiled and characters are obscured in secrets. The dialogue is so tight with wit and hints for the viewer to piece together this intricate and logical story. I like how you get Cold War tensions, and old war sentiments throughout as England, Germany, Russia, and Israel's perspectives are represented. It all comes down to money doesn't it? Evan Jones' writing combines the sleuth aspects of Palmer discovering who people are and their motivations, while contributing funny jokes throughout this delightful espionage thriller. John Bloom's editing keeps Funeral in Berlin moving very quickly as he cuts around Otto Heller's gorgeous cinematography and wide shots of a ruined Berlin post World War II. Funeral in Berlin show people hiding around corners, in alleyways, across streets in cars, and in shadows with a beautiful and striking style. It does not even feel its 102 minute length. Ken Adam's production keeps to the ruined East German aesthetic, while Peter Murton's art direction leans into the shadows of nighttime East Germany. Vernon Dixon's quaint set decoration shows you just what you need to notice in each room to solve the mystery. Konrad Elfers' score is moody, yet upbeat enough that you enjoy the uneasy backdrop of Cold War era Germany. In all, Funeral in Berlin is surprisingly funnier than the first feature with a complex story and shocking reveals. It's smart, cool, and influential. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I needed three cups of coffee to get all the way through this... I'm sorry, I'm sure for certain crowds this is a tense spy thriller, but I was just bored to tears. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/07/21 Full Review Audience Member A very authentic and believable spy movie with all of the classic cold war characters. The constant double crossing and back stabbing among the players, with the back drop of double dealing among the global intelligence services, is action enough to maintain the pacing. Caine is fantastic, with just the right combination of street smarts, cocky attitude towards authority, and quick wit. Everything is clearly explained and set forth, if you are willing to pay attention. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Funeral in Berlin

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