Change Your Image
AristarchosTheArchivist
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try again
Highly underrated movies you can dare to watch
Reviews
Barbarians (2020)
Great service to the legend - don't be fooled - Season 2 is not woke (see explanation inside)
After decades of not touching this subject (except for the sneaky adaptation in the 2000 year anniversary of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, the 2009 movie "Avatar"), finally there is a great German series that serves this legendary story well.
Despite the statement of the producers not wanting to give Neo-Nazis anything to drool over, Barbarians is actually still quite a patriotic achievement:
The Germans are the good guys, despite their ruggedness, and the Romans are clearly the imperialist bad guys.
The production value is great, and the historical accuracy when it comes to clothing, houses etc. Is sufficiently true, with some concessions.
Also, the story is only known through Roman sources, so the real truth may have been different, but we really don't know.
Some artistic licenses are taken, but again, the real story isn't clear anyway.
For the German viewers, the Germans may speak in an awkwardly modern way sometimes, which may be a point of criticism. I did not care personally, as the acting is fine throughout. The Romans speaking correctly pronounced Latin is pretty awesome.
Now some people have complained about wokeness in Season 2 - but here's the thing:
Netflix requires some racial diversity and sexual diversity. Without it, your series won't be made. Under those circumstances, the producers did a marvellous and even subversive job to meet minimum requirements:
The Black woman is from Africa, which is plausible in this scenario, and the backstory of the character is pretty awesome too. They do not claim there were Black German women back then.
Marbod is bisexual or gay in the series, but he's also mostly the bad guy...
Since we don't know what he was like, it's not implausible, as he is also the guy who succumbs to the luxury of Roman imported goods, and corruption.
Cool and strong women are a staple of German culture, so it's not wrong to depict some of those, even if it's a bit of a stretch that Thusnelda is going into battle,
and women were not part of the Thing as much as it is depicted in the series.
However, Roman historian Tacitus tells us about German women who stood beside the Battlefield as cheerleaders, exposing their breasts to motivate the warriors.
(not shown in the series though...)
Despite those things, wokeness is as minimal as it could be on Netflix, so don't complain, there are SO many more woke productions that really get on your nerves.
Germany is in a similar state right now, so... it may be good to be reminded by the series to be a little more patriotic.
This is a timeless story about Patriotism, and Barbarians delivers the message without watering it down.
Nebenan (2021)
A rare example of a perfect real time movie in one location. Most underrated.
I did not know anything about this movie when I watched it on Netflix.
I suggest you dive right in.
This movie , directed and starring Daniel Brühl, with Peter Kurth as "the other guy"
centers around an actor named Daniel who just wants to read the only page of a script he got for an audition, hence entering a pub for a coffee before taking his flight.
What unfolds is one of the best German movies I have seen in a long time.
Despite rarely leaving the premises, and playing in real time, this is veritable seat glue with brilliant dialogue and hard to guess twists and turns in the story.
Daniel Brühl got Daniel Kehlmann as the writer, who is also a novelist, and it shows in every detail.
Add to this a beautiful and effective cinematography and rare but masterful score/songs and we have ourselves a movie that will be shown in film making classes.
One can learn so much watching it.
I don't understand how this is not even rated a 7.0 on imdb.
You certainly won't be disappointed even when you go in with high expectations.
Well done, Daniel. Please make more movies. You are Germany's best talent.
Mord ist mein Geschäft, Liebling (2009)
Very underrated revival of classic comedy, with a stellar cast
I have seen this movie several times, and it had grown on me.
I mean, what can go wrong - it even has Bud Spencer and Franco Nero in it.
There are enough running gags and funny antics for two movies in this one, but unfortunately, German audiences are more used to US productions and their kind of humor. If you like old-school German comedies from the 60s-80s, you will be served a wonderful menu with great production values, good timing, original humor, and an abundance of recent and old guard stars of comedy.
Rick Kavanian's performance is gold, but also Nora Tschirner delivers perfectly in her former trademark role of the Clumsy Nerd. If you are a fan of either of them, go watch it.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Compared to recent genre movies, this is a Hall of Fame classic.
When I saw AvP back in the day, I found this movie to be inferior to the Alien franchise. When I rewatched it on Netflix, I was very surprised how this view changed.
I noticed a lot of things that made me change my mind.
First of all - the special effects are not CGI. We have become accustomed to the artificial look of computer generated images, which in my opinion is not a good development. Hands-on special effects had already become perfect in the 80s, at least in most bigger-budgeted films. Especially in creature features, these latex-and-animatronics artists managed to really create horrific scenes that looked real because they ARE real. Just think about masterpieces like "The Thing", "Aliens", or - already quite retro - "Blade II". How can anyone think that basically real creatures could be inferior to CGI? It's a new industry, and it seems it creates its own demand. In AvP, this leads to claustrophobic and really terrifying imagery that is quite underrated today.
Secondly, despite some flaws in dialogue and writing compared to "Aliens", AvP is very much above most of the recent Superhero craze movies. If you watched it, you will clearly notice. There are lots of great ideas and scenes in AvP that would not be done in most movies today.
If you like the Aliens franchise and have never seen AvP - go watch it despite its low rating. You will be surprised how good it actually is.
Alpha Alpha (1972)
Cheesy and inventive classic with an interesting history.
Alpha Alpha is a German TV series produced by ZDF (the second channel).
It is notoriously hard to get even today, but this was not always the case.
At one point in time, ZDF even denied the existence of this series.
Somehow, the old tapes were found and broadcast again, and many people
were surprised at how inventive - and cheesy - this series really was.
It borders on satire, but features numerous SciFi ideas that had not yet been
put into a TV series, not even American ones.
It's about some secret world government, an A. I., conspiracy, and strange cases.
If you ever get your hands on this - watch it. Expect some kind of crossover
between "Misfits of Science"(in regards to the tone of the series) and "X-Files".
"Alpha Alpha" would later be surpassed by the far more serious masterpiece "Das Blaue Palais".
Buba (2022)
Underrated Prequel. Needs a special kind of humor to enjoy though
If you haven't seen "How to sell drugs online (fast)", watch it first before you go for this nice little prequel. The series is quite amazing and sets the stage for the side character whose somewhat tragic story is told in "Buba".
Fans of Bjarne Mädel will probably like it. All others should be prepared for some dark humor, but the movie has also a bit of heart.
The characters are very odd and the story is completely ridiculous, in a good way.
The movie is full of great performances, and it's visually appealing, with good pace and editing.
Seems like Netflix does not disappoint when it comes to German productions. Non-Germans may give this one a try, but be sure to use subtitles.
God's Favorite Idiot (2022)
Cute and very underrated. Not for cynics and psychopaths.
It is pretty easy: If you rate this one low, you have no heart.
"God's Favorite Idiot" is surprisingly sincere, and it gets more interesting in every episode.
This is not a workplace comedy, although it starts as one.
The world needs some good-hearted fun and healing, so enjoy the ride and hopefully Netflix will finish it.
Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)
Most people don't get the brilliance of this movie, which also works as a powerful anti-depressant.
This movie features Mr. Bean, but it is something in its own right.
It's a masterful composition of funny little details that only reveal themselves if you watch it again.
Besides, the music and the beautiful pictures make it worthwhile on another level.
Don't listen to the bad reviews. This is a work of art disguised as a comedy. If you are feeling depressed, this may help you get through the day every time you watch it.
Das blaue Palais (1974)
A masterpiece of German TV cinema.
It is very peculiar that this masterpiece of a series has no reviews until this day.
So here's my take on it.
"Das Blaue Palais" (The Blue Palace) is a mini-series made by Rainer Erler ("Operation Ganymed" and other equally interesting TV movies)
for ZDF (a part of German public television).
It tells the story of a couple of scientists working on fringe cases from a remote location (the "Palace"), much like the later "X Files" or "Fringe" series.
However, it tries (and mostly succeeds, even by today's standards) to integrate real scientific discussions of that time into the stories.
The production values are incredible. Every episode features international settings, filmed on location.
It is the striving for realism that is quite unlike the usual American productions of that time.
If you understand German, this is a must watch, and I cannot stress enough its importance.
Any SciFi buff will love it.
In from the Cold (2022)
Somewhat campy, but ultimately very exciting spy/superhero story - the ending leaves questions though
People should finish the series before reviewing, let alone rating it 1 star.
This multinational effort is certainly worthwhile and keeps you hooked, once you find your way into the story. I had the time to binge it and it didn't disappoint.
The execution is very stylish and effective, there's a lot of campy comic book stuff though. Some suspension of disbelief is advised.
The only problem I see is the very ending. It leaves so many questions open after the story had just been wrapped up... I hope this will result in a second season which I would certainly watch.
If you're into spy/superhero stuff and/or a fan of the city of Madrid, this is for you.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
More twists than a gut string - but don't take it too seriously
OMG.
You think this is some rehashed Rear Window stuff? Think again. After those 8 episodes you will crave for more - and judging from the (small) cliffhanger, this could be continued with another story.
Kristen Bell is always nice to see, but I did not expect this being such a completely different, super-weird mini-series.
The humor is understated, but the story goes wild. You won't be able to see anything coming. I won't go into this. Just watch it.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
Enjoyable, self-aware fun, underrated (for what it is)
Today, I needed some really really far-out escapism.
Netflix got "Scooby-Doo" in the goofy list, and I thought: why not try this one, at least it has Linda Cardellini and Rowan Atkinson. I didn't expect too much, and I didn't exactly like the cartoon back then.
It had me at the "I'm Mary-Jane!" - "That is my favorite name!".
This movie has so many undertones and little jokes, it's indeed totally goofy (though only his distant cousin is in it, lol), but in a good way. It is very self-aware and may be an insider's tip of a stoner movie.
Marianne (2019)
Emma vs. Evil Dead - I liked it.
French Horror is always somewhat different and often poetic. "Marianne" is also sometimes funny, but not nearly at Evil Dead levels.
The series is a bingeworthy ride set on the rough coast of the Atlantic in Bretagne, which makes for an atmospheric viewing experience.
The series is somewhat slow, but very rewarding and unpredictable.
Prepare for some scary scenes with great use of practical effects.
47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
Slightly underrated shark movie - above average nerve-wrecker
This movie got some hate, undeservedly so.
It starts slow and lets you hang in there for quite a while, but the buildup is steady, and the awesome finale alone is totally worth watching.
As always - suspension of disbelief is needed, and bad decisions are made a-plenty.
The sharks are well made and scary. Worth mentioning: the music is super intense and unusual.
Mr. Roosevelt (2017)
Enjoyable indie
Yes, it's your typical navel-gazing Austin indie.
But it's cute, refreshing, real, and it delivers some good insights
a lot of people may need to grow as a person.
May appeal to women more than men, despite lots of nudity.
Verrückt nach Fixi (2016)
Cute and quite underrated, though formulaic.
There is nothing wrong about using a formula to make a movie.
It's how it is executed. "Verrückt nach Fixi" (Crazy about Fixi) is indeed a well crafted sweet movie about the usual stuff: friendship and girls. The fantastic part of it is merely a funny addition.
People may have rated this so low because they can't watch calm and understated movies anymore. The acting is natural and unpretentious, the humor lies often in the details, though it's not a laugh out loud comedy.
Fans of nerdy teen movies may want to give Fixi a chance.
Tusk (2014)
Bizarre, disturbing, NOT a comedy. Underrated.
WTF did I just watch?
I hadn't seen a Kevin Smith movie for a long time, I always liked his Clerks universe, I enjoyed Zack and Miri, but....
"Tusk" is one of a kind. Suspend your disbelief with this one. It is a dark journey into the disturbed mind of a deeply traumatized person that resonates with abysmal human shadows.
The few comedic parts are needed for relief. If there is no comedy, you end up with films you definetely never watch again, like "The Elephant Man" or Cronenberg's "The Fly".
"Tusk" manages to also lead you to big questions.
The ending - regarded superficially - is weird, but if you think about it, you will recognize it as a nod to Tod Browning's "Freaks".
Definitely recommended, if you can take some philosophical blows to your stomach.
Office Christmas Party (2016)
Christmas escalator. Another underrated romp.
Beware: This is not the Christmas movie you want to watch with your kids. But as a guilty pleasure, Santa delivers this one. Apart from being full of familiar comedic faces whom I like, Office Christmas Party
is one of those rewatchable escalating movies that have so much going on - so rewatching it is possible and recommended.
Avoid at all costs if you are easily offended. Go for it, if you like "The Sitter", or any escalating raunchy movie.
The Meg (2018)
What you see is what you get. Standard fare.
Maybe I'm just not the guy for shark movies, but it wasn't anything special.
On the plus side, you get Jason Statham.
Then there's tropes tropes tropes and average CGI.
At least it's a self-conscious movie not devoid of humor - and that saves it from being bad.
It entertains, if this is your genre, but I expected a bit more.
Hollyweed (2018)
Like Clerks, but with weed. Sadly, it didn't get greenlit.
Aww, man!
Just saw this on youtube. It was nice. Massive Clerks vibes and good humor. I wonder why it didn't get greenlit. I would have totally watched it. Well, you can't have everything.
Maybe someone is going to pick that up.
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Cute movie, feels real.
There's something about Jim Strouse's movies that is refreshingly sweet.
There's no extremes, as in most of our lives, which makes his movies very relatable.
Jessica James is an eager, but insecure writer who can't get over her ex.
She meets a recently divorced guy (nicely understated: Chris O'Dowd), who also can't get over his ex.
And then there's much about hopes and dreams of doing what you want to do.
What I like about this movie is that though many of the roles are cast with Black actors, it is NOT your typical woke hateful cringe.
There is nothing whatsoever about race. The lead role could have been white and Chris O'Dowd could have been replaced by a Black actor, it would have made no difference.
Jim Strouse seems to follow the Morgan Freeman rule: If you want to get rid of racism, just don't talk about it, as he already did in People Places Things.
This is what people want to see. Good job.
People Places Things (2015)
Calm and melancholic movie, sad things depicted in a light-hearted style.
No matter what genre, I would always watch a movie that stars Jemaine Clement, and I will most likely enjoy it.
This movie is no exception. It's not a laugh-out loud comedy, but a sad little movie about life, presented in an off-beat and quirky way, cleverly exploiting the intense, nerdy presence of Clement's understated acting.
A heartfelt movie that may not only appeal to people who lived through similar problems, but also for people who may after watching this feel relieved that life spared them those complications, a cautionary tale to make sure you are on track with your own feelings.
I liked it very much.
Mindhorn (2016)
Super underrated British comedy
Do you like British comedies and sitcoms like "Black Books" or "Hot Fuzz"?
Then you might want to watch this little Netflix gem.
It's quirky and loves its characters, the story is weird but fun.
You can tell that the actors had a jolly good time making this movie.
The rating on imdb is a little low. This will surely be rediscovered and become a little cult classic. As many people said: it gets better every time you watch it.
The Master Cleanse (2016)
Dealing with your pain, the literal metaphoric way.
"The Cleanse" is a simple, effective, and far-out movie about a therapeutic
retreat that is not what it seems.
The practical effects are nicely done, and the actors are doing a fine job.
The subtle and well-composed music deserves special praise.
If you don't get the metaphor, the movie may be even more important for you to watch again.
It's not really a comedy, though it's quirky. Don't expect a gory horror romp.
When you get it, the ending is really satisfying and leaves no questions open.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Classic stoner comedy masterpiece - even my 78 y. o. mom enjoyed it
I cannot stress enough how much I love this movie.
Seldom has a work of art been so exciting and self-aware.
Of all the Apatow productions, this is probably one of my absolute favorites.
Yes, some things are crude, but always within acceptable boundaries of the genre.
And it's a beautiful tale about friendship.