Operation Ganymed

This is by far the worst movie I have ever seen. The English dubbing is awful not to mention the plot. There is no excitement. I thought a sci-fi flick was supposed to have at least reasonable excitement or redeeming message. I recorded this film from TV back in Chicago many years ago and did not remember it, which tells you something, so this evening I was looking thru old tapes I had and pulled this one. Believe it or not but Jurgen Prochnow is in this mess. I am sure he regrets his face ever showing in this thing. The start of the film is at least interesting concerning a team of astronauts, both Russian and American on an ambitious expedition to Jupiter and one of Jupiter's major moons, Ganymed. It is interesting that the film writers chose Ganymed. Most other sci-fi space journeys to Jupiter involve either Io or Europa. Unfortunately from just about then on the flick drops into an abyss from which it never recovers. Makes Plan 9 From Outer Space look like Star Wars when it comes to quality and excitement. Sorry Jurgen, but these are just my opinions. Jurgen Prochnow is truly a great actor...

Conceptually a fantastic drama of deep space astronauts and the experiences they endure. But it comes up short in execution, even State made Soviet SF is more watchable. The soundtrack is absolutely awful and should in no way be a part of this film. Pacing of the action is slow and dreary. Visually looks like a 16mm film school project. Granted we have great actors in this movie, but they alone cannot save the movie. It's something that needs to be seen if only for comparison purposes.

Scifi is about ideas, not special effects. We have all suffered through the big CGI science fiction extravaganzas, rolling our eyes because the characters and plots are so lame. This unknown gem is very bare of special effects, but rich on story and the concept is very frightening. It's low, low budget, and shows it, however, the drama is brilliant and richly textured. After a many year mission to Ganymed, the astronauts return home.to a terrifying situation, and that's when their real struggle for survival begins. It's a story that will haunt me for awhile. Very well done, and very refreshing.

I've read about the atrocious English language dub, but my copy of the film is the Dutch rental video with the original German dialogue and it sounds fine. The film itself is gritty and realistic in tone. Five astronauts return from years in space only to find a seemingly desolate Earth. No radio signals, deserted ruins, sparse vegetation etc. At loss at what to do next they decide to head North, but without sufficient food and water supplies, how long will they last? The line between reality, hallucinations due to dehydration (and possible radioactive sickness) and flashbacks to their exploration of Jupiter moon Ganymedes is constantly blurred. Recommended.

"Operation Ganymed" is sci-fi for thinkers, those with imagination, and those who enjoy looking beyond the obvious. Returning Russian and American crew finds their hook up for re-entry strangely absent. After four years in space they seem to have been forgotten. After landing somewhere in Mexico, they must try and survive on Earth. Their challenge is not an easy one. Everything appears as desolate and deserted as the planet Jupiter which they have just returned from. Gradually, individual dynamics and desperation, overcomes discipline. Flashbacks in the form of hallucinations unfolds a tragic story of exploration, and a savage hopelessness prevails. Despite marginal special effects, the story is excellent. - MERK