Kapò (1959)
Genre: Drama / War
Duration: 118 minuten
Alternative titles: De Kampopzichter / Kapo
Country:
Italy / France / Yugoslavia
Directed by: Gillo Pontecorvo
Stars: Susan Strasberg, Laurent Terzieff and Emmanuelle Riva
IMDb score:
7,6 (2.920)
Releasedate: 27 September 1960
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
Kapò plot
Edith is a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl who faces the inevitable fate during World War II when she and her family end up in an extermination camp. With the help of a political prisoner, she manages to escape the gas chamber. However, she ends up in a labor camp where she is offered the role of 'Kapo' - a privileged prisoner who has to keep an eye on the other inmates.
Reviews & comments
stephan73
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- 6269 messages
- 14471 votes
Not the classic I had hoped for. Although it started very strong, the film became very clichéd and melodramatic as it progressed.
You can see that Pontecorvo's style was still developing, but it already contained some very nice shots.
Still, the film was interesting to see and, as far as I'm concerned, it should come out in a nice version. The Dutch subtitled version that was shown in the Filmmuseum was not of the best quality.
3*
Translated from Dutch · View original
BBarbie
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- 12893 messages
- 7675 votes
A rather uncomfortable story, because it is mainly about collaborating with Nazi torturers out of self-preservation. The film focuses on the development of a traumatized young girl in her attempt to survive in horrific circumstances. The story has a few weak moments, such as the sudden and inexplicable reversal in Sascha's attitude towards Nicole/Edith, but is nevertheless quite gripping. Given the theme, it can hardly be otherwise.
Although there have been better films about concentration and labor camps, this product by documentary maker Pontecorvo is definitely worth watching.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
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- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
Moving portrait of a young girl trying to survive in the concentration camps. A strong first half hour sucked you into the film. Afterwards it watered down a bit, but it remained fascinating to watch.
You indeed get an uncomfortable feeling with the role the girl is assigned. Kapos were no sweethearts at the time and were sometimes hated even more than the Nazis themselves. But in other cases they were opportunities for survival. They were easily replaceable and there was always someone willing to take your place.
It never becomes explicit, but the suggestive images or moments of exhaustion did speak volumes. Sometimes a lame moment indeed, such as the sudden mood change of the soldier. Very strong scene with him too when he had to stand up all night. It is strange that he still had difficulty standing on his legs, but was able to work hard afterwards.
But those minor imperfections don't make the film a failure. Although there are certainly better films in the genre, this is one that you should definitely not ignore.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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