An Ordinary Man

source: An Ordinary Man

The title is a little baffling. It leads you to believe one way before watching then another after. The ending made absolutely no sense and was added for shock value, to me, totally unnecessary. We already have a messed up world now, knowing how truly awful the past was , this meant nothing to see him still alive in the end, regardless of what the film wants you to believe. I found the maid much more interesting and Ben as usual, totally engrossing. The concept could have been done much better, in my own opinion.

SPOILER: The ending allows for many interpretations. Seems Milo executes Tanja for disobeying orders. It's not clear why the paper says he's been captured while he's still in his apartment with a gun on the table in front of him. Have his protectors decided it's too burdensome given his self destructive behavior or have they cut some sort of a deal in conjunction with the EU Ministers visit. Have they given him the option of taking his life or has he requested this as an alternative to being turned over for trial. Watching more carefully might provide clues to answer these questions...

Ben Kingsley should be embarrassed...He's the reason we picked This movie to watch... He is a great actor. The story could have been very good but it was done like a joke. I fast forwarded through most of the movie before falling asleep. Should be in the running for the worst movie.

An American drama thriller; A story about an infamous war criminal living in one of the states of the former Yugoslavia who spends his life on the run from international authoritiesand discovered by a young woman whom he makes his new maid. An artistic choice was made to have the characters speak in their native accents, and in particular for Kingsley to produce a North Lancashire/West Yorkshire English accent which allowed expression to come freely. But, despite a riveting performance from Kingsley the script is a let down. It struggles to find a groove and remain plausible and no number of surprises in the plot changed that. Motivating an audience to understand a genocidal person bound by circumstance is troublesome if the audience gains no real insight into the character's feeling.

An Ordinary Man is the dullest film I've seen in a while. It has a terrible premise and terribly executed. Kingsley's all me, me, me. A bunch of time's spent trying to get you to care about the girl, only to have her shot for no reason. Doing what he forced her to do, the end.

Intriguing film. Kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Ben Kingsley gives an excellent performance. I was struck by the scene in the country when an old woman seemingly ignores Kingsley, but just touches the side of his face as she passes him. Great moment. Not a perfect film, but definitely worth seeing.

Not quite sure why there are so many negative reviews. Everyone seems to want it to be about retribution and not just a snapshot on a period of a fictional war criminals life. I found it well acted and a good story which unfortunately could have been set in a number of countries around the world. Enjoy it for what it is.

Pity Ben Kingsley such a waste of talent. Scattered pointless story. We can do better!

Ben Kingsley plays a Serbian general wanted for war crimes. He is supported by a core group of friends as he hides in plain sight. Hera Hilmer plays his "maid" who is hired to watch over him. Things are closing in for the General, something which he doesn't want to face or believe. The film is a drama with Ben Kingsley on the screen in an ego-fest two person play. He doesn't really say anything about life worth repeating, although I am sure he thinks so. This will be one of the forgotten Ben Kingsley films. No regrets if you skip the film. Guide: F-word. Nudity (Hera Hilmer)