The Passage

World war two flick, told thirty years later. And how did this not win any awards, with all those huge huge names in the cast? A scientist, john bergson (mason), is being hounded by a german soldier (mcdowell), who has been ordered to bring him in. So a poor spanish basque herder (quinn) is hired to bring them over the mountains to safety. So many obstacles. Earlier, i had wondered why this didn't do better at the box office; there are several very unpleasant, violent scenes, as one of the underground is tortured and maimed for information. Not to mention the burning a man alive. Mason himself noted the scenery itself was cold and snowy. And in several spots, the script is just silly. It's just okay. Too bad. With a better script, it could have been great! Directed by lee thompson. Thompson was nominated for navarone.

Okay, So this is an awful movie in the grand scheme of things - but its highly entertaining none the less, and also is quite compelling. McDowell over acts - but is watchable, Lenz is also watchable, and most of the other acting is fine too. The script lends itself to to a poor mans WW2 movie from the 60's, say a B movie - but otherwise there's good stuff along the way! This film is different, therefore worthy of a watch. A notable film score by Michael J lewis boosts it along and makes it feel 'bigger' than what it actually is. Not so bad. Watch it for entertainment value only, and you may not be too disappointed after all.

During WW II a guide has to try to pass a nuclear scientist and his family over the Pyrenees into Spain but are mercilessly purseud by an SS-officer.

This sounds rather as your mainstream war movie of the week and as it stars Anthony Quinn, James Mason, Christopher Lee and directed by the seasoned Jack Lee Thompson, so what could go wrong ? Well quite a lot as it turns out. First there is the SS-officer, so over the top played by Malcom McDowell you are almost thinking its Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" in a Nazi-uniform. McDowell tortures, kills, rapes, sets people on fire, lets his own wounded men die in the snow; there is no end to his sadism. But it is quite an interesting, if not very frightening character and McDowell obviously very much enjoyed playing him. There is no doubt Quentin Tarantino has seen this film as there is even some Hans Lamda lurking there.

But what I found equally rather strange is that TP has the look and feel of some sixties war adventure movie, even the music reminded me of this (and is totally out of place with the rather horrific mood of the film). It has many an audience put off, as it only played one week in the US and did not do much better in Europe.

There existed a VHS version but no DVD for a very long time. Apparently now there is a Blu-Ray version available.

The end is also very confusing. I do remember (but it's a long time ago) from the VHS one a different ending, rather straightforward and not with the very bizarre twists in the version I caught on YouTube (HD-format). The trivia section mentions that even 3 different endings were filmed so there you go.

A very strange war movie for its time but somehow well worth a watch, if the large amount of brutalities doesn't scare you off.

This is one of those films that haunts you years after seeing it. I remember when I first saw it I was horrified. I watched it again and the violence, although horrific, was easier to get past. McDowell is creepy (as always). Quinn is great (as always). Lenz, well what can I say, acting not great, but nice to look at. The violence is extreme in a few scenes, so be warned. All in all, a pretty good movie. I give it a 7.

In "The Passage," conflicting sentiments arise as one contemplates the film's inherent flaws while recognizing peculiar elements contributing to its memorability. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative unfolds with a Basque shepherd tasked with guiding a family escaping the Nazis, all while being pursued by a sadistic SS officer. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Anthony Quinn and James Mason, who deliver acceptable performances. Christopher Lee appears as an agreeable gypsy, showcasing a departure from his usual villainous roles. However, it's Malcolm McDowell who steals the spotlight with an overblown portrayal of an evil, sadistic, and wry Gestapo officer. His performance is, at times, more campy than menacing, bordering on a pantomime of a Nazi officer.

J. Lee Thompson's direction is, unfortunately, unable to elevate the film beyond its flaws. The narrative is marred by an uneven script and lackluster pacing. The attempt to create tension and suspense falls short, and certain scenes feel disconnected, making it challenging to engage with the characters and their plight.

The cinematography, while visually capturing the gloomy reality of the wartime setting, is unable to salvage the film's shortcomings. The snowy landscapes become the backdrop for the final confrontation between the pursued family, the Basque shepherd, and the Nazis, delivering a moment of breathtaking intensity.

Reflecting on Malcolm McDowell's own comments about the film, where he acknowledged the lack of artistic greatness, it becomes apparent that he intentionally took his character to an exaggerated extreme, almost like a pantomime queen. While this choice may have added a layer of entertainment, it also highlighted a discord within the ensemble cast.

"The Passage" is not without its supporters, as evidenced by reviews mentioning the film's ability to linger in one's memory. Some viewers appreciate McDowell's captivating performance, acknowledging its uniqueness even within the context of a supposedly mediocre film.

In conclusion, "The Passage" stands as a film with evident flaws, marked by inconsistent acting, pacing issues, and a narrative that struggles to maintain engagement. While it may not achieve the status of a cinematic masterpiece, it manages to leave a lasting impression, largely due to the bizarre and unforgettable performance of Malcolm McDowell. I would rate it a 5.5/10, acknowledging its mediocrity while recognizing certain aspects that make it intriguing for those interested in peculiar cinematic experiences.