Movie spotlight
Ein Zug nach Manhattan
1952 in a suburb of New York: the pious Leon Sternberger is a cantor in a small Jewish community. One morning, he realizes that he has lost his faith in God. There is simply too much misery and injustice in this world. His friend Schames Rosen advises him to ask Rabbi Markus in Manhattan for advice. In the subway compartment, a young woman wants to take her own life because she cannot forget December 22, 1942 in Utrecht. That was the day her family was deported. On another train, he meets a man who also cannot forget December 22, 1942. The unusual events are connected in an exciting way and shed new light on the question of God's existence despite all the suffering.
Insights
Plot Summary
A retired police detective, haunted by a past unsolved case involving the disappearance of a young woman, decides to revisit the investigation on his own. His inquiries lead him into a dangerous underworld where he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches higher than he ever imagined. As he gets closer to the truth, his own life becomes increasingly endangered.
Critical Reception
The film was noted for its tense atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from lead actor Mario Adorf. It was considered a well-crafted crime thriller that effectively built suspense, though some critics found the plot somewhat conventional. It garnered a respectable reception for its genre conventions and thematic exploration of lingering guilt and justice.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric direction.
Mario Adorf's performance was highlighted as a significant strength.
The film successfully captured the gritty tone of a classic crime thriller.
Google audience: Audience reviews often commend the film for its engaging plot and the compelling presence of its lead actors, noting it as a solid example of German crime cinema from the era.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Ein Zug nach Manhattan' (A Train to Manhattan), is somewhat metaphorical, as the narrative primarily unfolds in German settings, with Manhattan representing an elusive or unattainable goal for some characters.
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