Alles ist erleuchtet

Es ist enorm schade, dass sich Liev Schreiber einen riesigen Bissen genommen hat, in welchem er das Motiv der Erinnerung, der persönlichen und nationalen Identität, zwei zeitliche Ebenen, eine Art östlich geprägte komödienhafte Note usw. hinzugemischt hat. Das Motiv der Erinnerung ist wohl der Eckpfeiler des Films, jedoch es funktioniert so richtig nur am Ende dank dem Brief von Alex. Die parallel laufende Ebene der Erinnerungen von Alex‘ Großvater ist riesiges, überleuchtetes Gulasch ohne Worte und leider auch ohne Emotionen. Die komödienhaften Parameter dieses "ukrainischen" Roadmovies funktionieren eher dank der Musik als in Anbetracht der Gags. Dennoch ist es die musikalische Kulisse (bestehend aus Traditionalisten, ukrainischem Pop und Gogol Bordello-Fragmenten) jedoch wirklich wert. Schauspielerisch gesehen möchte ich da auf jeden Fall Alex´ eigenartigen Großvater und Eugen Hutz selbst hervorheben, welcher die rolle eines jungen ukrainischen Prahlers nicht nur genießt, sondern auch richtig hineinfühlen kann. Elijah Wood sieht arg neben der Kappe aus, ja sogar so sehr, als ob er manchmal nicht mehr im Film sei. Liev Schreiber hat mehr als enorm darum bemüht, einen schönen Film zu drehen, der jedoch an Kohärenz und Ausdruckswert scheitert. Ich bin auch ein wenig beunruhigt über die allgegenwärtige künstliche eingefügte Ukraine, über die in der Tschechischen Republik etwas gedreht wird. Vier Sterne, weil mir Alles ist Erleuchtet wirklich sympatisch vorkommt und ich mir den Film gerne zweimal angensehen habe. Aber Fehler können nicht ignoriert werden, denn sie kennzeichnen den Film mehr als nur dezent. Man hat sich hier bemüht, einen Film über alles zu drehen, der allerdings Probleme damit hat, zumindest über etwas zu sein. Schade. (04.01.2008)

A film that easily stirred the hearts of viewers yearning for indie dramas in 2005. Although I felt how cleverly Schreiber manipulates me, and after an entertaining first half filled with humorous dialogue and ideas, he abruptly cuts it off and transitions into a sad illuminating passage. In the end, it is truly unpredictable, but a unique journey of self-discovery filled with excellent actors, surprisingly led by the Russian duo of grandson and grandfather, not Wood. (17.03.2006)

I have had the book of the same name in my library for a few months now, but I haven't been able to get to it yet, as is usual for me, so I can't compare it with the film version. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, the film captivated me. The unusual combination of genres, where the film gradually transitions from a comedic road movie to a serious drama, worked excellently in this case. The events on the screen are accentuated by music, which is a variation of Jewish klezmer. A young Jewish man from a well-to-do American family searches for his roots in Ukraine and gradually uncovers the dark secret of the destruction of a large Jewish settlement during World War II. The emotionally intense scenes almost brought me to tears, which is a sign for me that the film didn't have fake tones or cheap sentiments, but genuine emotions. It's clear from the film that Liev Schreiber has been involved in the film industry for a long time and, even though he doesn't have directing experience, at least not in the film world, he has learned a lot and has talent. Elijah Wood is a reliable and talented actor who easily handles the main role, and Czech viewers can also be satisfied with the presence of some supporting characters played by Czech actors and can get to know Czech realities, as this film was shot in the Czech Republic. I didn't give it a fifth star because I don't understand how the founder of the American branch could travel from occupied Ukraine to the USA in March 1942, or why the Ukrainian witness never got into a car until the late 90s. A few times, the script and dialogue were a bit off, and it's also evident that it was filmed by Americans unfamiliar with Eastern European mentality. The owner of a travel agency would hardly transport his American clients in a rattling Trabant on perfect highways. Here, the brand of the car is a sign of belonging to a certain social class and wealth, so it would be the opposite. Overall impression: 85%. (18.04.2011)

I have to say that I didn't expect much from this movie and surprisingly, I got a lot. Liev Schreiber as a director and screenwriter definitely didn't disappoint, he didn't even force himself into any roles. Very melancholic, sentimental, and strangely poetically harsh. World War II stories must be filmed with feeling and in this case, it was definitely successful. Moreover, the characters are simply excellent. The most interesting stories are simply written by life. Unfortunately. (23.02.2014)