[email protected] Although they appear to have been remembered (vaguely) in Europe where they achieved genuine stardom, the Comedian Harmonists were essentially unknown in the United States before this excellent film. Their closest contemporary analogue may be the Kings Singers, a group which has actually recorded many of the Comedian Harmonists songs and, like the German group, sings in close harmony, blending their voices so that none stands out until it's required. The effectiveness of the film is immeasurably enhanced by the use of actual recordings, with the on-screen ensemble lip-syncing the words. The Comedian Harmonists came to the fore during the late twenties and were extinguished when the Nazis came to power because they sang many songs by Jewish composers and three of the six members were Jewish. Although certain liberties have been taken with the biographies of the individual singers, their story comes alive on the screen with faithful attention to period detail. The focus is more on two of the six musicians (and their girlfriend-in-common) than on the other four. Nevertheless, each of the six is realized as an individual. It's a splendid film, available on Netflix, and I found it sufficiently entertaining that I will search out their recordings. But, beyond being entertaining, it tells a moving story about the impact that the rise of Hitler had on the lives of individuals who were essentially apolitical beings with no agenda other than to entertain and to succeed.

Josh H (Quirky-) One of the finest German films I've had the pleasure of seeing, 'Comedian Harmonists' tells the true story of a sextet of male singers who form a very famous group in Berlin when Hitler's Socialist party is just starting to get powerful. Of the six, three of them happen to be Jewish, which puts a dampener on their future when it's decreed that only Aryan entertainers will be allowed to perform in Germany. With a love triangle thrown in the mix, as well as the confusion of this almost sudden racial division, the members struggle to really come to terms with their future together. There are some chilling moments involving the hypocritical Nazis, indulging in some ironic entertainment care of the Comedian Harmonists, as well as some great musical segments. With some great performances from the entire cast - the stand outs are Ulrich Noethen as Harry Frommermann and Meret Becker as Erna - the film is a joy to watch, especially the wonderful musical sections, which at first I found to be tedious but then seemed to lift the film. Go figure. Joseph Vilsmaier, director of the excellent 'Stalingrad', has crafted a very entertaining film in this at times funny, joyous and very moving picture. (Watch for the ending - sentimental it may be, but it's very sad, IMO.) Recommended.

Ed-90 The film moves along well, with very enjoyable music. The film does not sink into exploitation, and is surprisingly upbeat for its era (Germany 1930's). I recommend it. The only less-strong area is in the romantic triangle...hard to tell what he/they see in her and vice versa.

T-10 The film, Comedian Harmonists, give us a different and evolving look at the effects of the racist policies of national socialism. It showed, better than I've seen, the slow, subtle changes in behavior and attitudes of both the oppressor and the oppressed --- the denial, then realization, that this could and is happening. This evolution made even more believable because this a true story about six very talented people, three of which who are Jewish, who form a musical group in 1927 in Berlin. As national socialism cements its hold on Germany, external pressure is brought on the group for containing Jewish members resulting in internal pressures within the group. The interpersonal relationships made for a compelling story. Add to this a great love story, good acting, fantastic musical score, and interesting people you come to care for, and you have a great movie. Since the film "finishes" in 1934, I particularly enjoyed the follow up at the end telling what happened to each of them. For a fascinating look at anecdotal history, I highly recommend that you see this film. Three and a half stars!!!