🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the historical thriller film “Colonia” (released in the UK as “The Colony”), directed by Florian Gallenberger, viewers are taken on a gripping journey set against the backdrop of the 1973 Chilean military coup and the enigmatic Colonia Dignidad, a cult led by German lay preacher Paul Schäfer.
The story follows Lena (played by Emma Watson), an adventurous Lufthansa flight attendant, who is in a relationship with Daniel (Daniel Brühl), a West German journalist and activist living in Chile. Their peaceful life in Santiago is disrupted when they get entangled in the Chilean military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet.
When Daniel is abducted by Pinochet’s secret police DINA and taken to the mysterious Colonia Dignidad, Lena embarks on a daring mission to rescue him. The Colonia, portrayed as a charitable mission under the leadership of Paul Schäfer (Michael Nyqvist), is actually a secluded and oppressive cult from which no one has ever escaped.
Despite warnings from Amnesty International, Lena decides to join the cult to find Daniel. Inside the Colonia, Lena discovers a disturbing blend of Baptist-style beliefs, harsh living conditions, Nazi ideologies, and aggressive anti-Communism. She witnesses the brutal treatment of residents, including her fellow inmate Doro, who is subjected to a violent interrogation for allegedly harboring the devil.
Meanwhile, Daniel, who is severely tortured and disfigured, cleverly pretends to have brain damage to avoid suspicion and gains a position at the forge. As Lena navigates the oppressive environment of the cult, she forms alliances and faces challenges that test her courage and determination.
Amidst the oppressive regime of the Colonia, Lena and Daniel’s love story unfolds against a backdrop of danger and deception. As Lena delves deeper into the cult’s dark secrets, she must devise a daring escape plan to rescue Daniel and confront the sinister forces that seek to control their lives.
“Colonia” is a riveting tale of love, courage, and resilience set in a turbulent period of history, where the pursuit of freedom and justice leads two individuals on a harrowing journey into the heart of darkness.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, Michael Nyqvist, Richenda Carey, Vicky Krieps, Jeanne Werner, Julian Ovenden, August Zirner, Martin Wuttke, Stefan Merki
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Emma Watson | Lena |
| Daniel Brühl | Daniel |
| Michael Nyqvist | Paul Schäfer |
| Richenda Carey | Gisela |
| Vicky Krieps | Ursel |
| Jeanne Werner | Doro |
| Julian Ovenden | Roman Breuer |
| August Zirner | German Ambassador |
| Martin Wuttke | Niels Biedermann |
| César Bordón | Manuel Contreras |
| Nicolás Barsoff | Jorge |
| Marcelo Vilaro | Augusto Pinochet |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Hey there, movie buffs! Buckle up because we’re diving into the intriguing world of “Colonia.” Imagine a rollercoaster ride where you’re trying to enjoy the scenic views, but the twists and turns keep throwing you off balance. That’s the essence of this film!
Now, let’s break it down. “Colonia” attempts to blend romance with historical atrocities, starring the talented duo Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl. The plot revolves around a young couple entangled in the horrors of a cult during Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile.
As we unravel this cinematic tapestry, it becomes evident that while Watson and Brühl deliver commendable performances and Michael Nyqvist shines as the menacing antagonist, the movie struggles to find its footing. It ambitiously juggles multiple themes but fails to excel in most.
Acting and Characters:
- Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl’s chemistry keeps you engaged, adding depth to their characters.
- Michael Nyqvist’s portrayal of the villain is chilling and captivating.
Binge-watching Tip: Focus on the actors’ nuances; their performances elevate some intense moments in the film.
Direction and Themes:
- The director attempts to weave a tale of love amidst political turmoil but struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative.
- The theme of human rights abuse is potent but gets overshadowed by conflicting storylines.
Binge-watching Tip: Pay attention to how the director transitions between romantic scenes and harrowing situations; it offers insight into character development.
Cinematography and Production Design:
- The visuals capture both the beauty of romance and the brutality of dictatorship-era Chile effectively.
- The set design transports you to an eerie world within the cult colony, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Binge-watching Tip: Notice how lighting and camera angles shift to reflect the emotional tone; it adds layers to the storytelling.
Score and Special Effects:
- The musical score complements pivotal scenes, intensifying emotions throughout the film.
- The special effects, though minimal, enhance certain suspenseful sequences effectively.
Binge-watching Tip: Close your eyes during intense moments; focus solely on how music heightens your viewing experience—pure magic!
Pace, Editing, and Dialogues:
- The movie’s pace feels dragged at times, elongating what could be more impactful moments.
- Edit choices could have been crisper to maintain audience engagement consistently.
- The dialogues oscillate between heartfelt exchanges and clichéd lines, affecting overall authenticity.
Binge-watching Tip: Observe how editing influences your emotional connection with characters; it sheds light on storytelling nuances often overlooked!
In conclusion, “Colonia” shines a light on a dark chapter in history through compelling performances but falters in balancing its ambitious narrative arcs. Despite its flaws, it offers glimpses of brilliance that might resonate with fans of historical dramas. So grab your popcorn, brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride!
Rotten Tomato Rating: 6/10 – A commendable effort marred by ambition overload!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong performances by Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl | Difficult to handle the theme of human rights abuse |
| Historical setting and portrayal of Colonia Dignidad | Movie tries to juggle too many themes |
| Engaging moments that keep the audience on edge | Not satisfying on most levels |
| Sheds light on a lesser-known historical event | Perceived inaccuracies in the portrayal of protagonists |
Feedback
-
Colonia (film) - Wikipedia
Colonia(released in the UK as) is a 2015 historical thriller film directed by Florian Gallenberger, produced by Benjamin Herrmann, written by Torsten Wenzel and Gallenberger, and starring Emma Watson, Daniel Brühl, and Michael Nyqvist. The film is set against the backdrop of the 1973 Chilean military coup and the Colonia Dignidad, a notorious cult in the South of Chile, led by German lay preacher Paul Schäfer.
The Colony
Coloniais an international co-production of companies in the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
-
Colonia (2015) - IMDb
Set in the early 1970’s amidst the political turmoil that beset Chile at the time, we meet a German political activist – Daniel played by Daniel Brühl. His girlfriend is an air hostess, this is Lena played by the wonderful Emma Watson. Then Pinochet and his army take over the democratically elected socialist Government; this was obviously with US backing.Well Daniel is soon swept up in the ruckus and taken to Colonia Dignidad. A colony run by another German called Paul Schafer; played brilliantly by Michael Nyqvist. He is a man who preaches the word of God but is one that talks the talk but does not reciprocate in the ‘walking’ department.Now the full extent of what went on at the real colony is still, allegedly, a matter of conjecture but I won’t say anything unless you are not aware of it. However, this does seem to try to cover a lot of what occurred and it uses the relationship of the two main protagonists as the vehicle to do so. It is a thriller and it is well made but it lacks a certain something to kick it further into the ‘must be seen’ category. Fans of Brühl and indeed Watson will not be disappointed though as they both give great performances, but Nyqvist gets all the great lines in a pantomime baddie role that was great fun to watch (for all the right reasons). In English with some Spanish and; this is one for those who like their thrillers to be not too much of a stretch but still well believable and indeed watchable.
-
Colonia movie review & film summary (2016) | Roger Ebert
She soon finds out that Daniel’s likely been taken to the south, to the headquarters of a religious sect—actually, cult—run by another German, named Paul Schäfer. No, I’m not making this up. The moviemakers aren’t either. Paul Schäfer founded the real-life Colonia Dignidad (German religious diaspora to Latin America go back to the early 19thCentury, incidentally) in 1961, combining Baptist-style tenets, punitive agrarian lifestyles, and aggressive anti-Communism. The latter, especially, made him a useful tool for Pinochet, and the colony functioned, after the coup, as a repository for dissidents, who were tortured and imprisoned there. A fascinating, terrible place. One that might have more effectively conveyed to film viewers outside the strictures of a romance-based suspense picture. But, alas, this is the story of Colonia that we have been given.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie ‘Colonia’, directed by Florian Gallenberger, the story revolves around a young stewardess named Lena, played by Emma Watson, who embarks on a dangerous mission to save her lover, Daniel, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, from a sinister cult organization called Colonia Dignidad. The film is set against the backdrop of the political turmoil in Chile in 1973, where Daniel, a West German photographer and activist, finds himself targeted by the oppressive regime of Augusto Pinochet after supporting President Allende’s Marxist vision.
As Daniel and Lena attempt to evade capture, they are eventually separated, leading Lena to make a bold decision to infiltrate Colonia Dignidad, a secluded compound led by the enigmatic cult leader Paul Schäfer, played by Michael Nyqvist. The colony, originally founded by Schäfer as a Nazi escapee turned pastor, is depicted as a place of horrors where prisoners are tortured and human rights are blatantly violated.
Within the confines of Colonia Dignidad, Lena discovers the extent of the atrocities committed by the cult, including the segregation of genders, brutal punishments for perceived transgressions, and the cult leader’s control over every aspect of life within the colony. As Lena navigates the dangerous and oppressive environment of Colonia Dignidad, she forms alliances with fellow inhabitants, such as Doro, who provide her with insights into the inner workings of the cult.
Throughout the film, the audience witnesses Daniel’s resilience as he endures torture and attempts to escape from the clutches of the cult. Daniel’s ingenuity and courage play a crucial role in the couple’s eventual reunion and their daring escape from the confines of Colonia Dignidad.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and grave dangers, Lena and Daniel’s unwavering love and determination to survive against all odds serve as the driving force behind their harrowing journey. The film’s climax culminates in a suspenseful and intense escape sequence that underscores the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tyranny and oppression.
As the credits roll, viewers are left with a sense of relief and catharsis as Lena and Daniel emerge victorious against the forces of evil, highlighting the power of love and solidarity in overcoming adversity. ‘Colonia’ is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that sheds light on a dark chapter in history while celebrating the triumph of the human will to survive and resist injustice.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating: 16+
Parental Guide for “Colonia” Movie:
Sex & Nudity:
The movie contains some scenes of shaming of women and derogatory comments. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity shown.
Violence & Gore:
- A man is tortured at the beginning, with his face swollen and somewhat bloody. He is seen getting electrocuted in the ribs and head.
- A woman is slapped across the face a couple of times, resulting in her nose bleeding. A group of men attempt to attack her but are stopped.
- There are scenes of abuse of both men and women, as well as some torture and violence depicted throughout the movie.
Profanity:
Derogatory language and comments are present in the movie, but there are no explicit profanities or strong language used.
Overall Recommendation:
“Colonia” is a historical thriller film that portrays themes of abuse, violence, and torture. It is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above due to the intense and disturbing scenes depicted. Parents are advised to watch the movie first to determine if it is appropriate for their teenagers based on their maturity level.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | Watch Colonia on Prime Video. Rentals include 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once started. |
| Peacock | Watch Colonia on Peacock. A determined flight attendant tries to rescue her boyfriend during a military coup in Chile in 1973. |
| Fandango | Rent Colonia on Fandango at Home. |
| Apple TV | Watch Colonia with a subscription on Apple TV or buy on Apple TV. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
You passed every inspection... But I still need to search you.
It's okay. The Lord loves us.
Take off your blouse...
🤖Colonia Reddit Talks
Colonia: A Discussion of Accuracy, Themes, and Reception
Historical Accuracy
The film Colonia is based on the real-life Colonia Dignidad, a German cult that operated in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. However, the two main protagonists, Lena and Daniel, are fictional characters.
Themes
Colonia explores themes of human rights abuse, political repression, and the power of love. The film sheds light on the horrors of Colonia Dignidad and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.
Reception
Colonia has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised the film’s performances and its unflinching depiction of Colonia Dignidad. Others have criticized the film’s pacing and its lack of focus.
Specific Points of Discussion
- Accuracy: Some viewers have questioned the film’s historical accuracy, particularly the absence of the real-life protagonists.
- Violence and Sex: The film is rated R for violence and sex. Some viewers have found the film’s violence to be excessive and gratuitous.
- Acting: Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl have been praised for their performances in the film.
- Storytelling: Some viewers have criticized the film’s pacing and its lack of focus.
- Overall Impression: Despite the mixed reviews, many viewers have found Colonia to be a powerful and moving film.
Additional Information
- Lena and Daniel escape to the West German embassy after being discovered during their escape from Colonia Dignidad.
- The film has been praised for its depiction of the horrors of Colonia Dignidad and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.
- Some viewers have criticized the film’s violence and sex, as well as its pacing and lack of focus.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/4fa4we/has_anyone_seen_colonia_2015_yet_what_did_you/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/eabzi5/colonia_2015_was_chilling/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/4vx61k/us_colonia_2015_when_her_boyfriend_is_caught_up/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/4tpv1x/why_hasnt_colonia_gotten_any_love_here/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/anfybg/any_one_else_really_like_colonia/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colonia a good movie?
While the movie features strong performances from actors like Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl, it falls short of expectations due to its ambitious storytelling that struggles to deliver on multiple levels.
How accurate is the movie Colonia?
In terms of historical accuracy, the two main protagonists in the movie are fictional characters, but the Colonia Dignidad, where the story is set, was indeed a real place known for grave human rights abuses.
What is the true story behind Colonia?
Colonia Dignidad, founded in 1961, was a real German settlement in Chile that operated as a closed-off society where severe human rights violations took place, including the disappearance, torture, and murder of Pinochet regime opponents.
What happened to Lena and Daniel from Colonia?
During their escape from Colonia Dignidad, Ursel is killed, but Lena and Daniel manage to flee to the West German embassy.
Where was the movie Colonia filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in Haut Martelange near Rambrouch on the Luxembourg-Belgium border, capturing the setting of the historical events portrayed in Colonia.
Who escaped from Colonia Dignidad?
One notable figure who escaped from Colonia Dignidad was Wolfgang Müller, who exposed the atrocities within the colony, obtained German citizenship, and became an activist against the leaders of the cult.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- The Lives of Others: A gripping drama set in East Germany where a Stasi officer is assigned to spy on a playwright.
- Changeling: Based on a true story, a mother’s search for her missing son uncovers corruption and deceit in the Los Angeles police department.
- 12 Years a Slave: An emotional journey of a free man kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States.
- Hacksaw Ridge: A war drama based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa in WWII.
- Black Swan: A psychological thriller following a ballerina’s descent into madness while preparing for a major performance.
- The Green Mile: A fantasy drama about a death row corrections officer who discovers a special gift in one of the inmates.
- The Shawshank Redemption: A classic tale of hope and friendship in the confines of a prison, based on a Stephen King novella.
- The Way Back: A sports drama following a former basketball star who finds redemption by coaching a high school team.
- The Last King of Scotland: A historical drama depicting the brutal regime of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of a fictional Scottish doctor.
- Corpus Christi: A Polish drama about a young man who impersonates a priest and brings hope to a small community.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
