When I saw the movie score on IMDb, I did not expect too much. I watched him a few months ago and even today I do not understand why the film is rated as "average". I do not know if people are aware that the film was made to a true event? If we leave this fact aside, your film leads to the ultimate limits of endurance. The voltage is constant. Psychological play in the movie is brutal.The magnificent Ema credibly shared the events in the Colony. I had the impression that I live a real life during the duration of the film. It's like I did not watch a movie, but it was a reality. This is, indeed, a phenomenal film that is far more attentive to audiences around the world.9/10

So, was this film based on true events, like how Titanic was based on true events, because, what Lena and Daniel went through, is straight out of a movie.Without this picture showing us the true nature of what it means to be a part of the cause Daniel was fighting for, his brethren seem pretty selfish, cowardice and without integrity. They just seemed all too willing to allow Daniel to fend for himself.For me personally, it would've made more sense for the Allende supporters to be the ones who orchestrate some sort of rescue, instead of Lena, seeing as, the strength of Lena and Daniel's bond is a mystery. If anything, given what she said when she entered his home, one would believe they're only just really, getting acquainted. Unless, that was their idea of playful banter and flirting.Nevertheless, Colonia is quite intense, and Emma Watson gives a charming performance. Daniel Bruhl, perhaps not his best outing, but, he is proficient, and the composition is very capable. The plot and story kept a gripping enough pace and what happened to Ursel, was somewhat heartfelt.A capturing, 7/10.

This is a really well made film.It is impressive at being full-on creepy, with many thriller elements, but also shines the light of hope which teases the audience. It is hard to believe that communities like this exist around the world - even today, but are hidden from sight. As they say,"out of sight, out of mind". How do we prevent such communities from existing and gaining power when corruption is so abundant in many of these countries? It just gives me the chills and makes me feel so sad and helpless to know that this is real life. There is a great cast in this - looks like Emma Watson's name is coming up more often nowadays. Her and Bruhl have great chemistry on set, and are able to pull at the audience's heartstrings. What really sells the story though, is the expressions of Nyqvist. He sends chills through the screen with his cold stares and lack of empathy. Carey as well, does well as the harsh and unfeeling matron.However, it isn't really shown what Daniel was protesting against, or his motivation in doing so. We understand that both Daniel and Lena are foreigners, but how or why they came to Chile is a mystery. Additionally, the cinematography is great. There are quite a few scenes shot on a hand-held camera or that have unique angles and movement to them, and this goes well with the subject of the film. It helps to emphasize the desperation and panic that the characters feel in that particular moment. The visuals and color aesthetics serve well to compliment the film as well. With a lot of gray-scale and dark scenes, the movie takes on more of a thriller atmosphere. The screenplay and directing is great too, as filmmakers didn't explain things explicitly, but tended to show and imply things instead - involving the audience more by making them question what may be happening. Overall, a very creepy situation which was depicted impressively in this film.

When I saw the trailer for "Colonia" it looked like an absorbing film not just for the unusual subject, but because it had Emma Watson in what seemed like a fascinating role.However, before I saw it, I was aware of the negative publicity including reports that it made less than $100 when it opened in England. Now that I have seen it, my enthusiasm has tempered a little, but I still think it has a lot going for it.In 1973, German Lufthansa stewardess Lena (Emma Watson) joins Colonia Dignidad, a secret commune in Chile, to rescue her activist boyfriend Daniel (Daniel Brühl) who has been imprisoned and tortured by the secret police. The commune is run by German Paul Schäfer in a brutal fashion, and as Lena discovers, no one ever leaves.The commune is reminiscent of those places the Nazis set up to breed the Aryan Super Race before WW2 – overlaid with a liberal dash of the Branch Davidians.The German thing is pretty strong: Lena and her boyfriend are German and the commune is run by a German with plenty of ex-pat countrymen mixed in with Chileans. The fact that the film was made by Germans with some of it shot in Germany no doubt adds to the effect as does the braided hair and Oktoberfest vests. A bit of a problem though with some of the Germans speaking perfect English while others have accents that would have done Erich von Stroheim proud.Emma Watson is an engaging screen presence, and gives a powerful performance, but she gets a run for her money from Michael Nyqvist as Paul Schäfer, the scary, face-slapping leader of the colony who quotes John 8:32 "…the truth will set you free" as he delivers yet another stinging backhander.Although Emma was at least 24 when she made the film, she would have no trouble getting away with half-fare on public transport. Maybe that is the reason the bedroom scenes with Daniel Brühl, tame as they are, seem a little confronting.The escape, especially at the end, is standard Hollywood, but "Colonia" doesn't outstay its welcome. Despite not being an instant box office success, I think this film will eventually find an audience; it was out on hire for months at the Hoyts Kiosk where I eventually rented it – time will tell.