Paradis Express

It is indeed a masterpiece of German cinema and the success of the film meant a significant revival in the German film industry of the 90s. I can't claim that I didn't like it - after all, 4 stars indicate that it entertained me at the time, but I still get the feeling that it is somewhat overrated. One positive aspect is the combination of dying with black humor and a positive effort to make the most of every minute of one's life. On the other hand, the humor, which has its great moments, fluctuates and there are also awkward moments, especially toward the end, when Rutger Hauer appears. Then there's the topic itself, which can be considered calculated, which may not be true but also cannot be refuted. Of course, there are much worse versions of tear-jerking sentimental films, so I wouldn't blame Knockin' on Heaven's Door for that. However, I do believe that Thomas Jahn is not a talented director, as his whole career ultimately shows, and he only managed to match the tastes and expectations of the audience in one case. Overall impression: 70%. (14/04/2009)

Jahn watched a few Tarantino movies and said to himself that he should make a movie like that too. Unfortunately, just before the filming began he also watched some Zwei Nasen tanken Super movies. Too bad that the cringe humor (with the title you would expect black humor, but nope) comes out on top here, because a couple of the serious scenes work really well. (12/04/2009)

A gleeful copy of everything that was cool back then in the East. Gangsters, male bonding, rock soundtracks à la Tarantino, copying Western formal practices, and the sheer license to make fun of everything, no matter what the level of fun it happens to be. Some of the stuff from that era still feels fresh, some you're glad it's gone. (27/06/2022)

German film = bullshit. For many years, this equation was the first thing that popped into my mind whenever someone mentioned the cinema of our western neighbours. But then I heard about this film, saw its high rating and I watched it full of expectations. Well, I’m speechless! All the praise that has been mentioned and rehashed so many times in the reviews here is doubly true. The amazingly unique and groundbreaking direction, the precise combination of black humour and a hackneyed detective plot, and the very honest and detailed portrayal of the two main characters, a bit in the style of Jarmusch, make this crazy and unconventional "last party" one of the best European films of the last decade. (31/01/2013)

After this year's The Most Beautiful Day, I had to watch this film immediately, from which the first mentioned piece drew a lot and according to some users, it was even a significant rip-off (which is not entirely true). Knockin’ on Heaven's Door is definitely an unconventionally conceived tragicomedy about illness, (ubiquitous) death, car chases, mobsters, theft, etc., but despite all these seemingly negative elements, it retains a certain comic detachment. The two main characters simply want to enjoy the last few days they have left, but in doing so they set off a chain of events of a primarily humorous nature, even if there are shootings and escapes all the time. All in all, a well-made film, peppered with references to Pulp Fiction in particular, which, while it didn't grab me by the seat of my pants, still deserves the viewer's attention. (19/08/2016)