IMDb RATING
6.0/10
2.3K
YOUR RATING
During World War II, a Basque shepherd is approached by the underground, who wants him to lead a scientist and his family across the Pyrenees while being pursued by a sadistic German.During World War II, a Basque shepherd is approached by the underground, who wants him to lead a scientist and his family across the Pyrenees while being pursued by a sadistic German.During World War II, a Basque shepherd is approached by the underground, who wants him to lead a scientist and his family across the Pyrenees while being pursued by a sadistic German.
Jim Broadbent
- German Soldier
- (uncredited)
Frederick Jaeger
- German Major
- (uncredited)
Terence Maidment
- Second German Sentry
- (uncredited)
Terry Yorke
- First German Sentry
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn an interview with Starlog Magazine, published in September 1983, Malcolm McDowell said of this movie: "That movie contains some of the best work I've ever done. I managed to pack into a dozen scenes with the whole period of Nazi tyranny in a convincingly evil way." Also, Malcolm McDowell said of this movie in Starlog Magazine, published in July 1995: "I played this real nasty Nazi who was chasing these people across the Pyrenees. We all knew real early on that the movie was not going to be any great work of art and so I was determined to have some fun with it. My attitude was that if I was going to play a Nazi, I was going to take it totally over the top and do it right. I ended up playing the character like a pantomime queen. What I was doing was so far out that James Mason turned to me one day and said, 'That's wonderful dear boy, but are you in our film? You seem to be doing something different from the rest of us'."
- GoofsBesides the wrong cliche black SS-uniform, Von Berkow wears the "basic" armband and not the SS armband distinguishable by black stripes on its upper and lower edges.
- ConnectionsEdited from On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
Featured review
A"nazi"ng acting...
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.
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.
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- GianfrancoSpada
- Feb 1, 2024
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Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,101,186
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $70,461
- Mar 11, 1979
- Gross worldwide
- $1,101,186
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