De obool
De obool

Movie spotlight

De obool

1966
Movie
90 min
Dutch

Arno's contract with an oil company in the Sahara desert has come to an end and he's planning to return to Europe. On his way to the harbour his car breaks down and he's unable to get it running again.

Insights

Director: Manfred BeilGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In this war drama, a group of German soldiers stationed in the Soviet Union during World War II grapple with their actions and the grim realities of the conflict. As the front lines shift and the brutal nature of war takes its toll, they confront moral dilemmas and the psychological impact of their wartime experiences. The film explores themes of duty, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of prolonged combat.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed to negative reviews, with critics often citing its heavy-handed approach to its subject matter and a lack of nuanced character development. While some acknowledged its attempt to depict the grim realities of war, many found it to be a somber and unengaging cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Lacks compelling character arcs, making the soldiers' plight feel distant.

  • The thematic exploration of war's brutality is often overshadowed by a slow and monotonous narrative.

  • Visuals and atmosphere are occasionally effective, but insufficient to salvage the overall impact.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Obelisk' is largely absent or unrecorded, making it difficult to ascertain specific points of like or dislike. However, its limited distribution and historical context suggest it did not achieve widespread popularity or critical acclaim among general viewers.

Fun Fact

The film was produced in East Germany and reflects the cinematic output and ideological themes prevalent in GDR cinema during the Cold War era.

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