The Interpreter

The topic is extremely interesting in this case. The stigmas of the war are the main theme, and the story revolves around the son of a former SS man and a Slovak Jew, whose family was murdered by none other than this SS man. In terms of casting, it’s a Central European delicacy. Messrs. Menzel and Simonischek were an absolutely perfect choice. However, it is a pity that the film lacks more distinct dialogues. It features scenes that make you not only wonder about the absurdity of the situation, but also about the satisfaction Menzel’s characters feels. Considering its topic, however, it remains a very classical road movie, where I could imagine some venomous dialogues that would make me bate my breath. As it is, however, it seems as though someone is taking their last breath. Given the interesting topic, there are a precious few scenes worthy of remembering. (01/11/2019)

You can never have enough films about the Slovak state, and this one is particularly charming. There will always be a bitter-sweetness associated with the passing of Herz and Labuda and the acting of Menzel. Thank you for the experience. (28/04/2018)

Je suis relativement contrarié par le fait que ce film ait obtenu plusieurs nominations aux Lions tchèques et que Úsměvy smutných mužů, aucune. Dites, le jury, à quoi vous jouez, là ? Menzel, juste pour son mérite ?! Pourtant, il n’a pas reçu de nomination personnelle. Thématiquement dépassé, ou disons plutôt du mille fois réchauffé. C’est un road movie sur deux personnes qui ne se ressemblent pas et sur la Deuxième Guerre mondiale et ses conséquences… Pourtant, les histoires douces-amères, c‘est ce que je préfère, mais ici, après la visite du spa, l’intrigue retombe dans une morosité qui ne fonctionne plus sur moi. Mon évaluation se maintient néanmoins à flot grâce à une photographie très réussie, une délicieuse combinaison de slovaque et d’allemand et le jeu des acteurs principaux qui, comme on pouvait s’y attendre, est de qualité. (26/01/2019)

I watched the film as an impartial viewer, and I must say that I quite enjoyed its form. There could have been fewer scenic rides through the Slovak countryside, though. (07/09/2018)

Certainly an interesting subject, which undoubtedly deserved a bit more creative treatment or at least punchier dialogues. From an acting perspective, I have practically nothing to criticize, the shots of the Slovak landscape are quite nice, and the musical accompaniment is appropriate to the theme. However, that doesn't change the fact that I found myself somewhat bored by this reminiscence road movie until the not-very-satisfying ending. (01/06/2020)