The Good German 4K Review: Steven Soderbergh’s Film Noir Tribute

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In a nod to the film noir era of the 1940s, director Steven Soderbergh creatively blended old and modern elements in his 2006 film The Good German. This unique blend includes adult language and intimate scenes that wouldn’t have been accepted during its time. Despite initially being a box office disappointment upon release, the recent 4K version of The Good German offers a fresh viewing experience with its impressive cast and technical expertise, making it worth revisiting.

1945, Berlin: Every resident conceals something; they’re all playing their cards to acquire wealth, influence, survival… or a means of escape. Renowned filmmakers Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney collaborated on this cinematic adaptation of Joseph Kanon’s acclaimed novel. In the wreckage of post-WWII Berlin, war correspondent Jake Geismer (George Clooney) becomes entangled with Lena Brandt (Cate Blanchett), a former lover whose husband, a man sought by both American and Russian forces, has gone missing. As the mystery deepens, Jake attempts to expose any secrets Lena may be harboring as she frantically seeks a route out of Berlin. Tobey Maguire appears in this gripping drama as a soldier with black market connections who might offer Lena an exit – or lead her into even more treacherous territory. This is the summary according to the official description.

The Good German 4K version, similar to a DVD release, is offered in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, reminiscent of classic 35 mm films and almost identical to the Academy ratio. It’s presented in black-and-white, and the intricate details of the sets stand out beautifully in ultra-high definition. Additionally, the lighting is impressive, particularly on OLED televisions, due to its exceptional representation of black levels. Director Soderbergh opted for authentic equipment from the 1940s, including wide-angle lenses, incandescent lighting, and a boom microphone for the audio, which adds to the film’s historical accuracy.

This film is technically impressive, but it might be more appreciated as a cinematic experiment rather than compared directly to classic films it references. In terms of its quality, it doesn’t quite meet the standards set by those iconic movies. However, don’t mistake this for Casablanca, despite strong performances from George Clooney, Cate Blanchett (who recently worked with Soderbergh on Black Bag), and Tobey Maguire. The script lacks memorable payoffs, and the post-World War II narrative is forgettable. Nevertheless, it’s visually stunning and provides an enjoyable viewing experience in the moment, perhaps because it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Regrettably, much like the DVD version, the extra features are quite sparse. Only the original theatrical trailer is provided. It’s disappointing that no behind-the-scenes commentary was ever produced, as I would have appreciated hearing Soderbergh delve deeper into the technical aspects of the film, particularly the movie’s striking staging, which is truly noteworthy. As a result, there’s little incentive to purchase this edition other than for the movie itself.

The Good German 4K Review: Final Verdict

Although The Good German 4K isn’t among Steven Soderbergh’s top films, his less spectacular works remain intriguing. Watching this film provides an opportunity to witness one of Soderbergh’s remarkable technical masterpieces, despite the fact that its narrative may not hold your attention strongly. Clooney and Blanchett share moments of magnetic charm, and it’s amusing to see Maguire fighting with Clooney in one scene, offering enjoyable highlights for fans of Soderbergh’s work.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our The Good German 4K review.

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2025-05-18 18:10