User reviews

I was surprised to see this movie only has a 6.3 rating. I think audiences are too used to the same clichéd story structure we see in pretty much all action movies; the villain causes mayhem, the protagonist underdog steps-up, and against all odds defeats the evil, saves the day, is reunited with their love interest, and walks off a hero... roll credits. This movie challenges that cliché, and it does it in a brutal fashion. It's much more of a psychological-action movie than a classic action movie. There are no epic fight scenes, courageous last second acts of heroism or sudden unexpected plot twists. It's completely raw, "how would a post 9/11 airplane hijacking scenario unfold in real life conditions?". And that's exactly what you get, with almost no sugar-coating. That's not to say that the movie doesn't conform to some clichés, but the brutal and harrowing reality it portrays is akin to a movie based on real events, yet this is completely fictional. To say the ending is abrupt is an understatement, I certainly had a "wait, what?" moment. But in hindsight, it's actually very fitting with the narrative of the movie. There's definitely a huge psychological element that will leave you feeling very uneasy and claustrophobic, but I personally praise it for its raw and unforgiving depiction of how a real-life hijacking could potentially play out.

7.5/10.

I had a good time with this film. The story and the characters were immersive, the editing and the pace were spot on, but the lack of a soundtrack and the cinematography were negatives for me. It almost has an indie-film quality going on. The style(or lack thereof) may put off your typical moviegoer but looking past those oddities reveals a hidden gem of a movie.

I fly the A319/320/321. Whoever consulted on the film did a good job, and incorporated realism to how the airplane is flown. That constant beating on the door is also accurate. It won't open unless someone lets you in.

Such a horribly gripping film that pictures what a minority have potentially been through. Superb acting throughout and leaves a tingle down your spine. Due to the pre ratings I expected nothing really and so was pleasantly surprised. JGL is becoming an actor well ahead of his times and quite rightly so. Well done sir.

I'm reviewing this film based on what I believe the filmmakers wanted to achieve by making it, a gritty claustrophobic real-life account of the brutal hijacking of a commercial airline. And that is exactly what I saw, this is not a Hollywood film nor does it have a big budget but that's exactly why it works. One has to look at this film for what it is and not what you may be expecting it to be. If you look at this film solely from the point of view of the co-piolet which is what the film is about then you'll understand that it's not trying to tell a political story or give you insight to why people hijack planes. The runtime is 90 minutes and I was never bored during this entire time. I felt every emotion the protagonist felt and I was totally involved in his plight. No film is perfect and this film is no exception but it made a favourable impression on me that I felt the need to leave a review. This is a little gem of a film and definitely worth 90 minutes of your life if you like these small gritty intense sorts of films. Most of the negative reviews are based on opinions that have nothing to do with storytelling. I would bet that nearly all of the negative reviews came from people who didn't actually watch the film.

All most the entire movie was shot in cockpit. Acting looked realistic.Entire movie looked so realistic.Well done.

I don't like aviation movies, they never get more than two things in a row right. This movie hits home somewhat as I'm a pilot (though on a Boeing) and as such it could happen to me, so I was curious as to how bad another aviation movie on this topic could be.

This movie... I was stunned and amazed, I had a genuinely elevated heart rate all throughout watching it. You really feel the lack of movement and placement scripting in the absolute freedom and improvisation of the filming, it is so inconceivably unpredictable and realistic. All the procedures and actions are technically correct too, which can feel superfluous for the people that don't know and care, but is a level of authenticity in movies that I've never seen.

I am advising all my colleagues to see this.

Having seen the trailer on this movie I decided to watch it while not expecting much. I was really surprised. The movie was very well written and portrayed. I definitely recommend it.

"7500" develops anticipation and builds tension from the opening frames, simulating authentic security camera footage of terrorists getting through airport security, and onto a German airline passenger jet headed to Paris. Once aboard the plane, Vollrath uses a real-time linear scene structure (similar to Mendes' "1917") from the viewpoint of the cockpit and the American co-pilot played with understated perfection by Gorden-Levitt. The film takes hold of the viewer and doesn't let go - the entire film plays like a reenactment of actual events (this is fictional). A fantastic 1st film effort by German Screenwriter/Director Patrick Vollrath.

Like really high ... as in in the air high. Jokes aside, the movie is more than serious and really tries to portray happenings as close to reality as they can get. The acting is great and while some things are heightened for effect, you can see things going down the way they did.

This is not easy to watch (it is not meant to be), but if you are into thrillers taken from real life and drama unfolding in front of your eyes, this is a movie to remember and watch of course. There might be decisions being made that you would not have taken, but don't forget we are talking about humans and everyone is wired differently. Also we are meant to feel strange and not entirely sure about some of the people involved. Humans are complex - even the evil ones

The pilots of a passenger aircraft prepares for take-off on a short haul flight between Berlin and Paris. Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the American co-pilot working for the German airline and his wife (Aylin Tezel) is a member of the cabin crew. Shortly after take-off four Islamic terrorists attempt to attack the cockpit. One gains entry, but is not knocked unconscious, while the pilot (Carlo Kitzlinger) is mortally injured. Tobias maintains control as the terrorists try to gain entry and control of the aircraft and threaten to kill passengers and crew.

Filmed entirely within the cockpit of the aircraft, the film is gripping from beginning until the end with Gordon-Levitt providing an outstanding performance in the lead. The tension is maintained throughout and is a perfect example of how drama can be sustained in a confined space. This is a German-Austrian-US production that deserves greater recognition.

... once they realised the extremist recruiters had not read 'Hijacking for Dummies' the authorities were able to play their patronise the terrorist card with aplomb.

Greetings again from the darkness. The first airplane hijacking movie I remember seeing was AIRPORT (1970, with Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin). Since then, it's been a recurring, relatively common cinematic topic blending our natural fears (flying and terrorism) with our love and admiration of heroic people, as seen in such films as EXECUTIVE DECISION (1996) and AIR FORCE ONE (1997). Writer-Director Patrick Vollrath (first feature length film, Oscar nominated for his excellent 2015 Live Action Short EVERYTHING WILL BE OK/ Alles Wird Gut) and co-w Sanad Halibasic use some of the familiar tropes we've come to expect, but do so with a unique twist ... the camera never leaves the cockpit (at least until the very end).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Tobias Ellis, the co-pilot to Captain Michael Lutzman (Carlo Kitzlinger) on this scheduled short flight from Berlin to Paris. Tobias is an American based in Berlin, living with his Turkish girlfriend Gokce (Aylin Tezel) and their young son. Gokce is also a flight attendant on the flight, and the two have attempted to keep their relationship a secret from their co-workers and employer.

The film opens with a quote usually attributed to Gandhi, "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." We then get a couple minutes of Berlin Airport security footage as passengers and their carry-ons proceed through security lines. We hear no dialogue or sound. The first actual scene puts us inside the cockpit as the flight crew arrives.

Not long after a smooth takeoff, the terrorists rush the cockpit when the flight attendant is delivering water to the pilots. A fight ensues resulting in injuries, including to both pilots. The crisis quickly escalates as Tobias has to take over flying the plane, while dealing with the pressure of a life-altering dilemma: does he follow protocol and keep the door shut, or does he hopefully save passenger lives by opening the door? The tension mounts as Tobias (and us) views the actions of the terrorist through the small cockpit monitor.

The film's title is derived from the pilot's Squawk code of 7500, which notifies the Air Traffic Controller of a hijacking-in-progress. As we learn, these aren't the usual hijackers. These are extremists who are "avenging the deaths of Muslims." These terrorists prove they aren't afraid to kill, and proclaim they are "not afraid to die." Well, all except one of them. Nineteen year old Vedat (Omid Memar) is the terrorists' translator, and he's left frantically trying to make the best of a bad situation, despite no real plan. His clouded-thinking exacerbates the situation as he tries to deal with the police negotiator.

What gives the film appeal is the 'camera in the cockpit' trick and the tension of the moment. The space is cramped and claustrophobic. Showing the crew going through the pre-flight checks allows us to get our bearings in an unfamiliar setting. To this non-pilot, the sequence delivers a very authentic look and feel. Spending the entire time in a confined space recalls such films as BURIED (2010), LOCKE (2013), and Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944). Joseph Gordon-Levitt carries most of the film with his performance, as he's rarely off camera. His temperament during chaos is fun to watch, but the final act is just a bit overwrought, and some of the good from the first two acts unravels a bit. Still, the close-quarters of a cockpit makes a unique viewing experience, and one that has us asking how we would react in this situation.

This is a real anti-hollywood movie. A gritty movie that is thrilling and suspensful without the glitz and shine, the need to embelish real life and have super happy endings. Just solid performances and what could actually happen. They clearly had pilots, pschologists and police advise them. There may be holes, but they were inaccurancies above my level of knowledge. Had me enthalled, better than its reviews, but not for everyone, if you like your movies realistic and/or like planes this one is for you.

Pros:

The main positive of the film for me was JGL performance. He was essentially the reason I decided to watch the film and I thought he gave a good performance

The halfway point was the best section of the film for me, tense and fast paced which kept me intrigued

Omid Memar deserves credit for his performance too. An unknown actor to the public and he did himself proud alongside JGL

Cons:

The final act of the film (the last 40-30 minutes) was poor for me. Very slow and I felt I was wanting the film to finish

The film overall was nothing special in my opinion. I appreciated the effort (as I do in every film) but it didn't wow me at any point

Apart from JGL's character, I never felt emotionally attached to any of the other characters, which I was expecting too.

I definitely felt the film could've been shorter really

Parts of the film were predictable

Overall, '7500' was an ok film. The performance for JGL was the standout for me. I wouldn't say he gave a spectacular performance, but he carried the film for me and was involved in the film's best scenes. However, like I mentioned, towards the climax the film was far too slow, I thought parts of the film became too predictable therefore I wasn't as invested, emotionally, into the narrative. I wouldn't highly recommended watching this, but it was just ok for me.

Quote - "You're in Control" - Tobias Ellis

Score - 2/5

This movie gives an amazingly realistic look at the interplay that exist in actual hijacking scenarios. It is slower in pace and grittier in appearance and direction than what many expect from a Hollywood movie of this type and could be seen as more of a fictional "documentary" which I expect is the reason for the shockingly low reviews seen. However in my opinion the acting and direction of this movie make it one of the best in its genre and well worth watching.

During the viewing, I did find myself yelling to both lead characters to "Man Up and Deal With Their Consequences!" Of course, I've never been through the ordeal they have, so it's just speculation on my part. I thought Joseph Gordon Levitt was fine but the young terrorist guy had NO expression except "I'm actually in a movie?" The real-time idea was a nice touch; I wasn't expecting that in today's element of film making. Still, I recommend it in relation to how a story can be told in real time.

It might be realistic in terms of flying the plane but definitely not it terms of behaviour. This came in 2019. Do they really think people are just going to sit and let two unarmed people do whatever the hell they want to and not fight back? I mean yes they had glass knives but c'mon two men against all of the other passengers, who do you think is gonna win? Also, the copilot does the stupidest thing ever. Instead of secretly keeping this to himself after he successfully locked the door, he absolutely for no reason at all announces that they're going to make an emergency landing triggering the highjackers even more. Then they start killing people. Of course they will. I mean who in his right mind announces something like this in a situation like this? Unrealistically stupid.