12 Monkeys

Manche Filme vermitteln uns ein intellektuelles Erlebnis, manche ein emotionales. 12 Monkeys erfüllt beide Parameter. Sie werden in einer beispielhaften Darstellung präsentiert und im Finale in eine perfekt harmonische Form verbunden. In dieser Form kann man auch beim zehnten Mal etwas Neues finden. Es ist ein Science-Fiction-Juwel. (03.10.2002)

Wunderbare Science Fiction, die alles hat, was eine gute Science Fiction haben sollte. Ein ausgezeichneter Plot, schöne Tricks, überzeugende Darsteller (mein Gott, dieser Pitt!!!) und vor allem Tiefe, wie bei Gilliam üblich. Im Gegensatz zu Brazil ist es sehr leicht zugänglich, aber weder trivial noch billig. Gilliams Handschrift macht diese apokalyptische Geschichte zu einem eindringlichen und unendlich stimmungsvollen Spektakel. Ein weiterer Science-Fiction-Film, der unauslöschlich in die Filmgeschichte eingehen könnte. Hat Gilliam darauf etwa ein Patent? (26.01.2004)

Unfortunately I can’t award twelve stars for the 12 Monkeys, but that changes nothing about the fact that this is not only the zenith of Gilliam’s works, but also the best sci-fi movie ever. And therefore is one of the best works of world cinema. The screenplay is flawless to the T and the ending, which you will comprehend only after watching it several times over and the optimism of the elating message (not the obvious one, but the one hidden under the surface), is just unbeatable. And that’s all I intend to write about this picture - if you have already seen it, you know how powerful and what genius these monkeys hold inside them. And if you haven’t, then you’ll understand when you see it. (24.05.2004)

In the best role of his career, Willis left his acting mannerisms behind and dropped his smile #1. An extraordinary film with a brilliantly conceived plot and a breathtaking ending. You won’t get bored for a moment and your brain will work at full speed. The only weakness is the Brad Pitt’s awful overacting, it ruined the impression of the film for me. Thanks to the gods of cinema for Terry Cilliam. (20.04.2003)

For most critics, the film Brazil represents the peak of Gilliam's work, while Twelve Monkeys is considered too mainstream, where Gilliam's creative vision was hindered by strict producer oversight. The truth is that Brazil is indeed a pinnacle work in certain aspects (especially in terms of its visual design), but it is also very unbalanced, narcissistic, and difficult for most viewers to comprehend. On the other hand, Twelve Monkeys is an exceptionally balanced genre film, built upon a strong theme, an intelligent script with a highly emotive plot, and a superbly crafted tragic yet ambiguous final scene. Even a disciplined Gilliam presents his viewers with absurd ideas from his workshop (the punishment chair), Orwellian situations (scientists with gifts above Cole's tortured body), and plenty of clever shots with a sense of composition (Cole's ascent into the abandoned city with wild animals on the ledges of the buildings). The excellent cast is led by Bruce Willis, who delivered top-notch character acting without wrestling holds and punches, unlike in his other films. The crazy Brad Pitt showcased once again that he has a very impressive range as an actor, beyond just a handsome face. We also get the demonic David Morse in a small role. There are no weak performances here. For me, this is the absolute pinnacle of the sci-fi genre. Overall impression: 100%. Excellent work with the time paradox within the genre. Even the very tragic theme of a hero desperately trying to stop a catastrophe is lightened in several scenes with small sarcastic jokes. (13.06.2006)