In 1995, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg created what is known as the 'Dogma 95 Manifesto'--a series of rules that these and other Danish avant-garde film makers would adhere to the in the future. I mention this because although "Europa" was made by von Trier, the film does not at all adhere to these rules--as the film was made four years before this film movement was deliberately created. Von Trier's use of black & white film (interposed throughout the film with muted color), sets, incidental music, non-hand held camera, the use of a crane for a few shots and setting the film in the past were all techniques he would eschew only four years later. I guess he was just getting it out of his system! The beginning of "Europa" is very, very strange. You hear the voice of Max Von Sydow and he leads the audience in a hypnotic induction--taking you back to the year 1945--just after WWII. And, later, you will once again hear the voice of Von Sydow talking throughout the film like a hypnotherapist--a VERY unusual way to narrate this film.The film plot revolves around an odd and rather non-emotive American, Leopold Kessler. It seems that he was a pacifist during the war and has moved to Germany to work for the railroad. This is odd, I know, but it gets a lot more unusual than that... I would try to explain the story, but frankly it all becomes very surreal and a bit weird. Additionally, while the film is supposed to be about a group of post-war terrorists named 'Werewolves', the film does NOT attempt to provide an actual history lesson or really discuss their actions. My advice is like all surreal films, don't try to understand it or make sense out of why von Trier made it--just absorb it and make of it what you will (or not).My feeling about the film is that I liked it because of its bizarreness and innovative cinematography. Sure, there are a few sloppy portions (such as the dubbing of the Colonel's voice) but what's important is that this film was made in 1991. Using computers to make this sort of project would be pretty easy today--but back in 1991 personal computers were still a bit rare and amazingly underpowered. Yet, von Trier was able to use black & white mixed with occasional splashes of grainy color--a difficult trick in its day. There are also very very beautiful camera shots throughout the film (such as the bombed out church in the snow) which are achieved through superimposing characters into scenes he shot previously. Totally weird, confusing but visually arresting. This is NOT a film for the average person--they probably wouldn't have the patience or would demand a more coherent and traditional plot. But, it's the sort of thing that is worth seeing once--it's that unusual and unique. The style, the narration, the cinematography and the music provide a once in a lifetime sort of experience.If you get the DVD, be sure to see if it has the French documentary "The Making of 'Europa'", as it explains the various very innovative camera tricks that were used. Additionally, just how complicated it all was to make is revealed...and it took two years to make!

Just after World War II, an American takes a railway job in Germany, but finds his position politically sensitive with various people trying to use him.I waited too long to write this review, so I cannot do it justice until a second viewing. But it is a perfect storm of European genius. Max von Sydow narrating, Udo Kier appearing (as he does in many of von Trier's works). And the amalgamation of Europe on a train...What sells this film is the visuals, hands down. Von Trier's mix of black and white and classic color give this quite the dreamlike feel. That, mixed with the Kafkaesque plot, and you are sucked into an imaginary world of real life... perhaps not unlike David Cronenberg's "Naked Lunch".

Today is February 21st, year 2008, Belgrade, Serbia, and I saw this film alive on the streets in Belgrade, in street clashes after big protest against West, Europa and USA. People here love Europa and Western civilization, and can't live without it, and in the same time they feel betray of it. So, youngsters angry for USA and Europe role in disintegration of Yugoslavia and now independence of Kosovo went to attack all symbols of West in city, attacking embassies, McDonalds, etc. In the evening, accidentally (believe me or not), it was Von Trier "Europe" on a local TV. At the end of film was famous (I watched this film many times before): "You want to wake up, to leave behind the image of Europa... but it is not possible". I saw it on streets on Belgrade today. Serbia today want to be Europe, and don't want- similar like Germany after WWII in this film. There are many more incredible parallels between this film and history I could watch in Belgrade today. I just want to emphasize how great and prophetic was this film. It obviously intended to show some similar experiences in people minds in Denmark in time of Danish referendum for entering in European Union, but it maybe even more properly shows present Serbia today. I am sorry to input politics on this place, but it can incredibly show how this film is more than film- it is document of contemporary European thinking in time of globalization. I am clinical psychologist and I also know how this film is great psychologically. Entering into hypnosis is nowhere showed better (believe me, I work hypnosis for money in my life), and the whole film is great in psychological way too. Incredible piece of art.

When people ask me if I have a favorite movie, I will look at them seriously and find out what kind of movie nut they are. If they seem a bit clueless, I will say 'Citizen Kane' (which is actually my 2nd favorite movie) but my all time favorite movie is "Zentropa" aka Europa. I saw this first at the Vancouver International Film Festival, and as soon as Max Van Sydow started his haunting narration, I was HOOKED! EVERYTHING about this film I love. From the mentioned narration to the bang on performance of Jean-Marc which he hasn't replicated before (The Big Blue is a big yawn) or since (but I DO love his tiny bit parts in other Von Trier movies) to the gonzo story (An American gets a job as a railway conductor in Germany immediately after the war and gets involved in post-war terrorism groups!) to the LOOK of the film. Black on white on color, phony but amazing process shots). Never boring, quite entertaining. When's this EVER going to be released on DVD?