The Ogre

Synopsis

The Ogre (Der Unhold) follows the story of Abel Tiffauges, a seemingly gentle man whose life takes a dark turn during World War II. Tiffauges, portrayed masterfully by John Malkovich, finds himself entangled in the disturbing world of Nazi Germany as he becomes involved with a sinister plan to breed a master race of superhuman children. As he witnesses the horrors of the war and becomes entwined with the enigmatic figure of The Ogre, Tiffauges grapples with his own morality and the consequences of his actions. The film delves deep into the complexities of human nature, power, and the impact of war on the individual psyche.

Cast

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  John Malkovich

  Abel

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  Armin Mueller-Stahl

  Count von Kaltenborn

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  Gottfried John

  Chief Forester

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  Marianne Sägebrecht

  Frau Netta

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  Volker Spengler

  Fieldmarshall Hermann Göring

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  Heino Ferch

  SS Officer Raufeisen

Reviews

The Ogre has received a mix of critical reviews, with some praising its haunting atmosphere and Malkovich's compelling performance. The film's unique portrayal of a dark chapter in history has been lauded by critics, with its exploration of complex themes resonating with viewers. Metacritic described The Ogre as 'a thought-provoking journey into the depths of human nature' and gave it a solid 7.5/10 rating. Rotten Tomatoes praised the film for its atmospheric cinematography and Malkovich's captivating portrayal of Abel Tiffauges, earning it an impressive 89% rating. However, some critics found the pacing of the film to be slow and the narrative overly bleak, leading to mixed reactions among audiences. Overall, The Ogre presents a haunting and thought-provoking tale that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.