Unearthing the movie Colonia

Colonia is set in the 1970s; it transforms the real life horrors of the Pinochet regime. Emma Watson and Daniel Bruhl star as two English speaking German lovers trapped in English speaking Chile. At this time Augusto Pinochet is launching his coup in 1974, it is inspired by the Colonia dignidad religious and agricultural settlement in which the Chilean dictatorship used as a front to torture political prisoners. Daniel Bruhl exercises his talents in this suspense thriller when he acts as a retard in order to trick his captors.

Colonia covers the Chilean dictatorship showcasing the psychological torments and abuse of women in the camps. It brings to life the history of Chile dictatorship the director takes us through the interrogation methods and invasive techniques used. In the midst of all this the love story between the two stars builds up the storyline. In a move to make it interesting Emma Watson (Lena) decides to go up and save him by disguising herself as a believer to infiltrate the camp. You will witness Colonia atrocities which also entail the public humiliation and mass beating of young women.

Scene from the movie Colonia

Variety review of Colonia tends to feel that the movie did not depict a sense of true terror but filled with absurdity .This film critic feels that looking from the inside out that the effects are somewhat tactlessly sensational, the laughs bizarre but unintentional. In this two hour suspense thriller the brutality of the Chilean dictatorship is downplay or forgotten as the main element of the movie. The Hollywood reporter describes the performance as hampered with flat dialogue as well as the film not truly contextualising anything apart from a few opening and closing title cards.

While reviews are different from different people the extent of acting in this movie puts Emma Watson at the top of the pile of great actresses. According to TIFF review he points out there is either lack of confidence in the filmmaking or in the audience that is the movies target. One of the most noticeable things about the movie is the emotional disconnect throughout the movie which is evident far too often. Overall he feels that Watson and Bruhl are very capable performers but never get the chance to instil the picture with the sensitivity it needs. In a way the director seems to overcompensate behind the camera but fails them on the page.

In essence Colonia movie tries to have it both ways to be a shocking true drams and a riveting piece of movie making, writes Kevin Jagernauth. He goes on to say that it Colonia is not is not intelligent enough to accumulate any emotional pay off. It is too generic and unsophisticated in its execution to make it popcorn worthy entertainment. Although the cast was one of the best Colonia only opens the history books but doesn’t turn the pages. Overall the director would have done a better job if more emotion and better explanations were given as opposed to vague events.