I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Overrated and overhyped

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

"Rommel" is a German television film from 4 years ago that stars Ulrich Tukur as the title character. It was written and directed by Niki Stein and sadly, he still did not manage to prove that he is a filmmaker who is good enough to make an impact on the big screen. Or the small screen. I am not really sure what the problem here is. Is it that the character of Rommel is simply not suited for film or is it that they just made a very forgettable movie here. It certainly isn't helping that the film runs for an impressive 2 hours. When I look at another recent German television film ("Stauffenberg"), then I see everything that this film here is missing: interesting characters, strong focus and a story that will at least be interesting to you, maybe even get you on the edge of your seat. "Rommel" has none of these attributes. It is very dry and even if it may be historically accurate than it lacks the heart to really have people interested enough to care about the historic circumstances. It is not Tukur's fault and you cannot really blame the supporting actors either. If one is to blame, then it is Stein here. He had many good actors here to work with, so it is pretty disappointing to see the outcome of this film here in terms of quality. It does not deserve to be called one of Germany's most famous small-screen films from the 21st century. I do not recommend the watch.

ROMMEL 2012This is a well-made television movie about the last few months of German Field Marshall, Erwin Rommel. The film was shown on German television in Nov 2012. This one starts several months before the allied invasion of June 6th, 1944. Rommel is in charge of putting the defences of the French coastline into shape. He does not have enough men or material to fortify the entire coast. So he must make an educated guess as to where the Allies will land. Most of the German Staff officers are sure it will be in the Calais area, Rommel though is leaning towards Normandy. Rommel, Ulrich Tuker, has to deal with his nominal superior in France, Field Marshall, Von Rundstedt (Hanns Zischler) and Adolf Hitler. (Johannes Silberschneider)Hitler keeps interfering with Rommel's plans for the placement of the important armoured Panzer Divisions. Rommel wants them near the beaches for immediate counter-attacks. Hitler and the General staff think otherwise.Rommel's chief of staff, General Speidel, (Benjamin Sadler) is approached by members of a group planning to overthrow Hitler and his mob. They want Speidel to broach the idea to Rommel of joining the plot. Rommel listens but is rather reluctant to join. Rommel heads back to Germany to visit his wife on her birthday. Needless to say this happens to be June 6th. He has to rush back to France to take charge of the defenders. Of course Rommel is proved right about the location of the invasion. He is also proved correct about the Panzer Divisions being kept too far behind the front. It takes them days under constant air attack to reach the coast. The German forces put up a stiff resistance, particularly against the British and Canadians. The losses though are difficult to replace and it is rapidly becoming a losing battle of attrition. Rommel now decides that Hitler does indeed need to be replaced. He agrees to join the coup, but not if there is an assassination of Adolf. His offer to join goes nowhere as he is badly wounded the next day in a strafing attack by RAF Spitfires. The July plot goes forward and there is an assassination attempt on Hitler. The coup collapses as Hitler survives the attack. The ringleaders of the plot are soon rounded up with most being shot immediately. The rest are in for a severe bit of questioning by the Gestapo and Security forces. Rommel, (Tuker) has been recovering in a hospital in Germany. He knew nothing about the attempt on Hitler's life. He is however soon implicated in the plot. Adolf is not amused, but for political reasons wants to avoid a public trial. Rommel is offered a way to save his wife and son. He will take cyanide and his death will be said to have been from his wounds. He will get a full military funeral etc. Rommel agrees. This is a nicely made bit of television with excellent period detail, solid acting and good direction. Well worth a watch.

Now here is a story that doesn't embellish or does over the top dramatic. The film records the last few months before Rommel was killed by the man who served and the German people. The history includes a lot of small but crucial detail such as he knew and was horrified at the killing of Jews including revenge killing when the S.S. men killed 450 women and children. The film also explores the inner conflict between Hitler, high ranking officers and Rommel. It doesn't portray him as suddenly turning sides but gradually learning of the war crimes, the difficulty with Hitler, working with the German resistances, and eventually suicide. This film was studied and everything carefully studied although the uniforms was sort of wrong at times. Another complain is some of the character seems a little bit heavy weight especially Von Kluge looks a bit too fat, Keitel looks like a skinny man who is like a dirty old man. One thing for sure, the film does portray Rommel as Hitler's right hand general, but soon learns more about crimes committed by the German S.S. and some of the army official. Had he survived, I'm sure he would have been fully against or may defect along with his family. But otherwise, these things you can overlook and ignore because the movie does stand itself as written "as it had happen." The movie seems like a documentary too so treat it as that, not just for entertainment purposes but a general points leading up to his death.

If you are interested in WWII movies and enjoy a very realistic dramatic movie rather than an action movie this is the one for you. Great acting by German actors, realistic plots and much detail spend on uniforms, armor and real live settings in WWII. The Geman language enhances the reality of the movie. Ulrich Tukur plays Rommel with great resemblance and talent.The movie reveals the man Rommel and his aversion of Hitle in the afterdaysr and the Plot to kill Hitler (you must remember Valkyrie: with Tom Cruise). Though casted very well, it is hard to identify yourself with the main character. The actors each are casted very well, with actors who play the German Generals and officers with great resemblance. Hope you enjoy the movie!