238 reviews
POSITIVE AND RELEVANT
Chris Evans's roles always lean to heroic and patriotic characterization and this film was perfect for him. I feel like this movie was underrated, and should be considered as a decent historical and action drama that really caters to all generations of movie fans.
- jeromesgabilo
- Jun 14, 2021
- Permalink
Red Sea Diving Resort or Operation Brothers?
In this case I reckon sort of both. I was not aware of the real life incident (or rather incidents) this falls back on and the real people involved. So it is always nice to have a light being shined on things one doesn't know. This might spark curiosity and people might want to learn more than the film offers (and one can only imagine how much more).
Having said all that, the term "first world problems" that is being used, makes even more sense when you see what other people have to endure for just a modicum of the freedom most of us (especially those with the privilege of having time to watch a lot of movies - looking at you kid - which in case I'm not clear is aimed at myself primarily) take for granted.
A very emotional movie, that does pack a punch and a few "action" scenes too. Don't expect this to be an effects fest of course. I would like to assume that most can see past the Marvel movies Chris Evans has done ... or his teen comedies for that matter. And just to be clear, those are entertaining to say the least. At least for a lot of people, so enjoy those ... and if you are up for something different, you will cherish this too - on a different level of course, but still. What is a human life worth? And not in Hollywood terms ...
Having said all that, the term "first world problems" that is being used, makes even more sense when you see what other people have to endure for just a modicum of the freedom most of us (especially those with the privilege of having time to watch a lot of movies - looking at you kid - which in case I'm not clear is aimed at myself primarily) take for granted.
A very emotional movie, that does pack a punch and a few "action" scenes too. Don't expect this to be an effects fest of course. I would like to assume that most can see past the Marvel movies Chris Evans has done ... or his teen comedies for that matter. And just to be clear, those are entertaining to say the least. At least for a lot of people, so enjoy those ... and if you are up for something different, you will cherish this too - on a different level of course, but still. What is a human life worth? And not in Hollywood terms ...
Solid Netflix flick
Almost missed on this film,because some people reviewed it as political propaganda instead of really reviewing the film itself.. Haters got to hate..
The real review is this film is solid(acting,directed etc),enjoyable watching,and recaptures some important history.
The problem with this film I felt most of the plot was repeated in other films which kept it from been really great hence gave it only a 7. Nothing original here,except the true story behind the movie that inspired its creation.
The real review is this film is solid(acting,directed etc),enjoyable watching,and recaptures some important history.
The problem with this film I felt most of the plot was repeated in other films which kept it from been really great hence gave it only a 7. Nothing original here,except the true story behind the movie that inspired its creation.
A tight drama of an issue that people should care about
This film tells the story of a group of agents who go into Sudan to save a group of Jewish refugees.
The good number of stars attracted me to this film, and it turns out to be as good as one can expect. It is a tight drama that makes you want to find out what happens next. Furthermore, it is about an issue that people should care about. I think it is worth a good watch.
The good number of stars attracted me to this film, and it turns out to be as good as one can expect. It is a tight drama that makes you want to find out what happens next. Furthermore, it is about an issue that people should care about. I think it is worth a good watch.
Absolutely Enthralling
One of the very few Netflix movies I've liked. Wonderful pacing and acting, based on a true story that I never knew existed, that now I'll never forget. I couldn't stop watching. Very well done!
- taraangel-40960
- Jul 31, 2019
- Permalink
Rescue in the Red Sea
It's a very entertaining movie and it doesn't deserve the bad reception it got; the plot is good and the acting is decent; Jews have suffered greatly over several centuries and deserve respect.
- DogePelis2015
- Aug 29, 2021
- Permalink
Argo for Ethiopian Jews
This is the story of a group of heroic Mossad agents who pretend to lease a beach resort from the Sudanese government in order to use it as a hotel, but in fact use it as a seaside base for smuggling Ethiopian Jews from Africa. Both Ethiopia and Sudan were (and still are) volatile zones and Sudan is a Muslim country. It's basically the plot of Argo, but for another group of people, and it is also based on real events.
Now, the film is mediocre. The dramatic scenes are copy pasted from other films, the heroes are all ridiculously good looking, the evil antagonist is just evil for no good reason and all those tired 70's cliches rear out their ugly heads: every hero is reckless, the boss knows it, the idea is risky, the boss of the boss knows it, and somehow they smilingly admit going against every instinct and making it happen anyway. There is an especially cringe worthy scene where the bad guys inspect some trucks and, finding no bullet holes, conclude that those were not the trucks that smashed through a roadblock. Because smashing through other cars leaves no trace, unlike bullets.
There was a funny scene in the film when one of the characters says "It had to be Germans. It's always Germans!". It wasn't funny for the reasons the writers wanted, but because the entire film reeked of WWII hero movies where all the Nazis are bad and really stupid.
Bottom line: really by the numbers film that probably has very little to do with the actual events.
Now, the film is mediocre. The dramatic scenes are copy pasted from other films, the heroes are all ridiculously good looking, the evil antagonist is just evil for no good reason and all those tired 70's cliches rear out their ugly heads: every hero is reckless, the boss knows it, the idea is risky, the boss of the boss knows it, and somehow they smilingly admit going against every instinct and making it happen anyway. There is an especially cringe worthy scene where the bad guys inspect some trucks and, finding no bullet holes, conclude that those were not the trucks that smashed through a roadblock. Because smashing through other cars leaves no trace, unlike bullets.
There was a funny scene in the film when one of the characters says "It had to be Germans. It's always Germans!". It wasn't funny for the reasons the writers wanted, but because the entire film reeked of WWII hero movies where all the Nazis are bad and really stupid.
Bottom line: really by the numbers film that probably has very little to do with the actual events.
Great movie with positive message
Great acting by Chris Evans. The that fact this movie is based on a true history amazes me up.
Positive beautiful film, just when we all need it.
This a moving film with exceptional performances by all actors involved. The direction and writing also hits good tones and avoids becoming a blow them up action movie. I really enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Chris Evans can act and there's a nice character arch with a few of the main players. Overall I really enjoyed this and will watch it again.
The fact that it's based on saving lives and happened during a really hard time in the Middle East and Africa (late 70's early 80's) makes it more poignant given the state of the world today.
Overall it's an A for me. I will recommend this to my friends and family. Enjoy :)
The fact that it's based on saving lives and happened during a really hard time in the Middle East and Africa (late 70's early 80's) makes it more poignant given the state of the world today.
Overall it's an A for me. I will recommend this to my friends and family. Enjoy :)
- gideonzack
- Jul 30, 2019
- Permalink
Greetings from the diving resort
There was a time when people (well... mainly hippies) used to take adventurous trips to Afghanistan. Nowadays, it seems ludicrous to think about that country - and Sudan - as attractive holiday destinations.
However, this movie reminds us that not as far in time as Afghanistan - actually, in the early 80s - a Red Sea diving resort in Sudan was a covetable destinations for Germans and other tourists.
Even if it's hard to believe that an African country on the brink of massive upheaval was visited by tourists, people actually do lots of stupid things. In this case, silly tourists were nothing more than "probable collateral damage" IRL, a handful of agents operated the resort as a cover for a rescue scheme that went on for years unnoticed. The Ethiopian were carried by trucks to the resort and shipped over to Israel, until the final mission, when the last bunch was transported by plane, because Sudanese officials . In this sort of movie, you should expect most (all?) characters to be a bit stereotyped. They are very much so that I did not get the need to introduce them quite at length, since their background was irrelevant to the development of the plot.
For instance, the Alex Hassle Max Rose's character, seemed quite interesting as a forever hungry assassin, but there is no development nor much action for him (nor for the others).
However, this is quite good entertainment with a solid, humanitarian background and not too much violence, apart from a horrific scene in a refugee camp.
However, this movie reminds us that not as far in time as Afghanistan - actually, in the early 80s - a Red Sea diving resort in Sudan was a covetable destinations for Germans and other tourists.
Even if it's hard to believe that an African country on the brink of massive upheaval was visited by tourists, people actually do lots of stupid things. In this case, silly tourists were nothing more than "probable collateral damage" IRL, a handful of agents operated the resort as a cover for a rescue scheme that went on for years unnoticed. The Ethiopian were carried by trucks to the resort and shipped over to Israel, until the final mission, when the last bunch was transported by plane, because Sudanese officials . In this sort of movie, you should expect most (all?) characters to be a bit stereotyped. They are very much so that I did not get the need to introduce them quite at length, since their background was irrelevant to the development of the plot.
For instance, the Alex Hassle Max Rose's character, seemed quite interesting as a forever hungry assassin, but there is no development nor much action for him (nor for the others).
However, this is quite good entertainment with a solid, humanitarian background and not too much violence, apart from a horrific scene in a refugee camp.
Something missing...
As with all of the Netflix films I've seen there is no character development, story seems to move too quickly and seems a bit jumpy. This means that I couldn't care less what happens to any of the characters as you don't feel for them. This film is better than Triple Frontier but it still left me wondering how Netflix are getting away with using college grade producers.
- leonamos-52333
- Aug 9, 2019
- Permalink
chris evans is more than just an avenger
Chris evans proves his acting chops once again. his performance was dynamic and gripping. he's always been one of my favorite actors so it's good to see him getting more serious roles that he deserves, can handle and can do well. the rest of the cast gives get performances as well.
well acted, well casted, well written and well directed.
well acted, well casted, well written and well directed.
- brttnywtlngtn
- Jul 30, 2019
- Permalink
similar to hotel rwanda
Written and directed by gideon raff. Apparently based on true events, this tells the story of israeli agents helping ethiopan jews escape from sudan in 1979. Features chris evans and ben kingsley. Mbulelo grootboom is the rebellion leader, where they run a fake hotel to smuggle out black jews, from a muslin country. In a very dangerous part of sudan. A crazy plan, that is so crazy, no-one would suspect what they are really doing. Lots of suspense. While they are sealing the deal for the resort hotel, there are gunshots going on in the background the entire time. We really get the sense of how dangerous this is. Overly dramatic, i'm sure, but it's quite good! Currently showing on netflix.
Important Topic but Movie didn't come together.
I loved the concept of this movie, but somehow the opening sequence managed to make a life or death escape feel like it had low stakes and predictable moments. The topic is important and the story is inspiring, but the film itself wasn't as intense and moving as it could have been.
- mccabegabe
- Oct 20, 2019
- Permalink
An Ethiopian exodus from Sudan to Israel
Movies dealing with an exodus in the direction of the Holy Land are plethoric. I think in particular about Exodus (1960) with Paul Newman and directed by Otto Preminger and then about Va, vis et deviens (2005) as heartbreaking as moving. Khu Nghỉ Dưỡng Lặn Biển Đỏ (2019) is clearly a popcorn version of a real mission organized by the Mossad in order to secretly evacuate Ethiopians who have fled their native country in complete food crisis, via an abandoned Sudanese hotel, the Red Sea Diving Resort.
By being slightly in bad faith, the expedition looks a bit like Captain America with his team of Avengers saving Ethiopians undeservingly persecuted by Sudanese. But the director Gideon Raff skillfully avoided falling into these clichés and the film is globally successful, although we are very far from a cinematographic masterpiece. I particularly appreciated the performance of Chris Chalk, Greg Kinnear and Ben Kingsley who highlight the intergalactic star Chris Evans.
PS: I remain stunned by the sterile duel between the two extremist groups « 10 of 10 » versus « 1 of 10 » who represent, on August the 1st, more than a third of the votes.
By being slightly in bad faith, the expedition looks a bit like Captain America with his team of Avengers saving Ethiopians undeservingly persecuted by Sudanese. But the director Gideon Raff skillfully avoided falling into these clichés and the film is globally successful, although we are very far from a cinematographic masterpiece. I particularly appreciated the performance of Chris Chalk, Greg Kinnear and Ben Kingsley who highlight the intergalactic star Chris Evans.
PS: I remain stunned by the sterile duel between the two extremist groups « 10 of 10 » versus « 1 of 10 » who represent, on August the 1st, more than a third of the votes.
- FrenchEddieFelson
- Jul 31, 2019
- Permalink
Good. Could be better
A good film, really nice shot and has some stunning scenery and landscapes. Chris Evans does really well to break his Captain America persona, he gives a decent performance. The story is really sweet, and really drew my interest into what actually happened. I do feel there could have been more focus on the refugee crisis, felt like I wasn't learning as much as I wanted to. However, the film is a really nice watch - well written, cinematography, and acting.
- dpsmith-61153
- May 29, 2021
- Permalink
Slow and Cliche, but Nice Story
I was ready for this to end long before it did. There was virtually no character development, a bunch of cliched characters, and slow pacing.
But the story itself is an interesting one, and apparently true. Let's face it, the nuts and bolts of a rescue mission are not always that interesting. But the crucial moments had sufficient tension.
I wasn't really buying Chris Evans as ethnic, but I guess they needed a pretty face and he was available.
There is also virtually no explanation for what was going on in Ethiopia, other than some vague sense of a civil war.
I could definitely do without the sanctimonious narration.
There is no soundtrack really or sex.
But the story itself is an interesting one, and apparently true. Let's face it, the nuts and bolts of a rescue mission are not always that interesting. But the crucial moments had sufficient tension.
I wasn't really buying Chris Evans as ethnic, but I guess they needed a pretty face and he was available.
There is also virtually no explanation for what was going on in Ethiopia, other than some vague sense of a civil war.
I could definitely do without the sanctimonious narration.
There is no soundtrack really or sex.
Heartfelt, but lacks depth
A truly inspiring true story based on the Israeli governments attempt to get refugees out of the Sudan. The plan centers around using the Red Sea diving resort as a cover, sneaking the refugees out at night to awaiting naval ships. While the real life story is quite amazing, the movie seems a bit lackluster. The main characters have no depth, the storyline is a bit anticlimactic, and moved too quickly through some parts, while other scenes seemed unnecessary. A solid movie with a solid plot, but I felt it could have better explored some characters and spent more time in the thick of the plot.
- Calicodreamin
- Aug 14, 2019
- Permalink
Incredible tale of compassion
It's weird in this day and age to hear anything positive said about Israel and this is a timely reminder that the nation of Israel always does whatever it takes to protect their people, if if they are Jewish Ethiopians.
From a tactical perspective, this was operation certain death and it's amazing that they pulled it off not once but enough times to rescues tens of thousands of genuine people displaced and in mortal danger at the hands of an Islamic revolution.
It's very well acted, the characters personalities develop. Currently, with no much absolute garbage coming out of hollywood, I have the attention span of a 3 year old when it comes to movies but this captured my attention throughout and had me involuntarily shouting at he screen a couple of times.
Decent.
From a tactical perspective, this was operation certain death and it's amazing that they pulled it off not once but enough times to rescues tens of thousands of genuine people displaced and in mortal danger at the hands of an Islamic revolution.
It's very well acted, the characters personalities develop. Currently, with no much absolute garbage coming out of hollywood, I have the attention span of a 3 year old when it comes to movies but this captured my attention throughout and had me involuntarily shouting at he screen a couple of times.
Decent.
- mat-fletcher
- Aug 9, 2019
- Permalink
Loved it, Great Flick and very accurate.
Loved it!! Amazing Flick!! Having been told first hand takes about the struggles of refugees escaping Ethiopia and Eritrea through these exact channels made this all the more poignant. The tale is one based on a true story. Israeli Mossad operatives smuggle thousands of refugees under the cover of running a resort in an abandoned Sudanese hotel. Cast with the likes of Michael Kenneth Williams, Chris Evans, Greg Kinnear, Ben Kingsley, Masasa Mbangeni, Haley Bennet and more. Shot and DirectEd well with beautiful scenery in most every scene. A tear conjuring film about hope and survival. This one carries with it and loudly announces a message. HELP ONE ANOTHER - AP #Reelflix
- ethosbooking
- Sep 9, 2020
- Permalink
Based on a real event
Israel's Mossad agents attempt to rescue Ethiopian Jewish refugees in Sudan in 1979 based on true story. They rescued refugees behind running a hotel. They fight with Ethiopian corrupted government. You can learn a tragic history from this movie.
Okay to pass the time, a little long
The movie has some dramatic moments, but I wouldn't call it a thriller. There's a lack of character development, and missed opportunities for a sub-plot. Chris Evans shines a bit too much. It would have been great to have given the pretty blonde, Haley Bennett, a back story. She is just there, and we have to guess. Of the main team involved in the mission, we only learn a little background on the two male leads.
Outstanding Film
Much better than I thought. It is very well done: True stories are always the best. This is very well cast and directed. Chris Evans and Michael Williams are superb in their respective roles. Greg Kinnear and the rest of the cast are very good as well. A must see.
- Easygoer10
- Dec 14, 2019
- Permalink
A more than serviceable action thriller...
This was a solid action thriller, with a good cast, including Chris Evans (good to see outside of a Captain America costume and who actually can act), Michiel Huisman, and Alessandro Nivola. It's based on real-life events, and you'll enjoy it more if you don't read anything about it beforehand, as the reviews mainly focus on its white savior complex. There's that, and yes, some of the dialogue was wooden and it was fairly predictable, but it was still an enjoyable thriller à la "Argo" and "Munich". Nowadays, I don't want to have think about the societal import of everything we see. Sometimes it's nice to just be entertained.
Inspiring story uninspiringly made
- northernpaladin
- Aug 11, 2019
- Permalink