Most reviewers have already noted the similarity to Brazil, Animal Farm and 1984, which struck me right away. A dictator is overthrown in a popular uprising, only to become a dictator himself. I enjoyed the contrast between the opulent lifestyle of Maximilian II and the squalid prison where Thorne the dissident writer was being held. Donald Sutherland plays the writer, looking for all the world like Karl Marx. The scenes of the saccharine TV anchors playing verbal ping pong were just priceless and right on the mark. Tom Hollander, who previously played Kim Philby in "Cambridge Spies" was superb in the role of Maximilian.
My only gripe is that I had the impression that this would have been a good film if I had been able to hear it rather than just watch. Unfortunately, I saw this film on DVD, and there were no close captions. This is incredible! As a hearing impaired person I need the captions to know what they are saying, otherwise, by the time I have figured it out, I have missed a few sentences. With a detailed plot it is essential to be able to follow the dialog.
My only gripe is that I had the impression that this would have been a good film if I had been able to hear it rather than just watch. Unfortunately, I saw this film on DVD, and there were no close captions. This is incredible! As a hearing impaired person I need the captions to know what they are saying, otherwise, by the time I have figured it out, I have missed a few sentences. With a detailed plot it is essential to be able to follow the dialog.