Cast
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Ulrich Tukur
as Kurt Gerstein
Mathieu Kassovitz
as Riccardo Fontana
Ulrich Mühe
as The Doctor
Michel Duchaussoy
as Thr Cardinal
Marcel Iureș
as The Pope
Ion Caramitru
as Count Fontana
Friedrich von Thun
as Gerstein's Father
Antje Schmidt
as Mrs. Gerstein
Günther Maria Halmer
as Pastor Dibelius
Hanns Zischler
as Grawitz
Sebastian Koch
as Höss
Monica Bleibtreu
as Mrs. Hinze
Justus von Dohnányi
as Baron von Otter
Pierre Franckh
as Pastor Wehr
August Zirner
as von Weizsäcker
Crew
Director
- Costa-Gavras
Producer
- Andrei Boncea
- Michèle Ray-Gavras
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Amen. examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Costa-Gavras brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Amen. took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1912 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Amen. shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tears of the Sun, which focuses more on action than character development, Amen. subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Order and Kundun explore similar territory, Amen. stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 27, 2002
- Runtime: 2h 12m
Where to Watch
