The Passage

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.

This movie ran in Europe for quite a while in the 1980s. I saw it several times there and, quite unexpectedly, on HBO or Cinemax late at night a few years ago.

The movie was about war and wars are nasty things. I do not think the violence was overblown in the movie - not after visiting a few Holocaust museums in Europe. McDowell's portrayal of a fanatical psychopath (not that know any) seemed very fitting.

In terms of the amount of blood and gore on screen, it seems tame compared to movies made later. Schindler's List is much more terrifying. Starship Troopers has much more severed limb type stuff than The Passage. But what makes this so chilling and repulsive is its realism; that things like these truly happened and happened not that long ago...

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.

United Artist must have lost a bundle back then, when this film only lasted a week in all screens in Seattle when they released this film. The film is "R" rated, violent and brutal! McDowell plays a psychotic WW2 Nazi Captain who is in pursuit of a doctor (Mason) and his family (Neal, Lenz, Clement) who is on the run from the Nazi's, and is helped by a Basque guide (Quinn) and two agents (Lonsadale/Bouzuffi) to take them across the mountain to safetly. McDowell turns into a Nazi Caligula as he do sick things and plays it almost in a camp like fashion like wear a chef hat and chops off Lonsndale fingers while cooking and saying "chop chop, chop chop!", Burn a gypsy (Christopher Lee) alive saying "I'm send him exactly where he told me to go....HELL", and rapes Kay Lenz as he wears a Nazi symbol on his underwear! McDowall also places a black comb under his nose to look like Hitler in one scene! This film is beyond what McDowall did in CLOCKWORK ORANGE! This is a performance that Mike Myers should look into remaking! The ending is incredible, but I can't give it away, but the bad guy's death doesn't involve a gun. Not recommended if you hate this sort of entertainment, despite the fact this is one of those all star cast international co productions, but the TV print cut out of most of the nasty stuff, so check out the TV print instead if you are a fan of the 70's interantional all star cast epics! Others beware! Great score by Michael J Lewis though!

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.