MovieChat Forums > Morituri (1965) Discussion > Better Than Remembered

Better Than Remembered

posted 18 years ago by tomcat69w
4 replies | jump to latest

I first saw this movie upon the original release in 1965 at the age of ten. At the time, a lot of the plot was over my head, and with seemingly little 'action', I did not like it all that much and it was soon forgotten. But after watching it again today for the first time in many year's, I must say that I am glad I watched it again. The writing, cinematography, acting and the tense music drive this suspenseful tale of espionage aboard a freighter loaded with rubber for the War effort. At the onset I was intrigued by the performances, especially Brando, who takes his role to another dimension as Kyle a would be SS officer trying to subterfuge the sabotage of the rubber aboard so the allies can get their own hands on it. A lot of familiar and nearly forgotten faces pop up aboard ship and the tension build's to a nerve wracking conclusion. Now I consider this as one of Brando's finest performances, right up there with 'On The Waterfront'. If you like Brando at all, you will be more than impressed with this performance as well as the role of Capt. Mueller by Yul Brynner. A fine WWII movie to sink your teeth into!

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[–] wtl471629 15 years ago

I agree tom. Brando was great in this. This is one very good movie. I saw it in 1965 and thought it was good then. I saw it last night on TCM after all those years and it is still great. Not a lot of action as you said but still a great suspenseful well made movie. The cast is excellent and Brando and Brynner are both great in it. It was a treat to watch these two great actors in the same scenes together. The only fault was the movie should have been made in color.

[–] oldblackandwhite 11 years ago

Tomcat, I believe your stated experience with Morituri explains why the picture did not do well at the boxoffice. It was a serious, complex, intelligent movie made for adults at a time when most movie-goers were teenagers and preteens.

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He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good... St. Matthew 5:45

[–] Toshi51 10 years ago

I was 14 when I saw this film for the first time back in '65. Most of it went right past me. Not Janet Margolin, of course.

Watching it again, I was impressed with Brando's performance.

Yul Brenner never turned in a bad performance during his career. He was compelling in this movie. The way he talked to Esther Levy about why he was helping her was delivered without piety, self importance or in any way other than believability.

[–] Toshi51 9 years ago

I was the same age when I saw this movie back in '65. I agree about Brenner's performance.

Janet Margolin had me panting back then. "David and Lisa" started the crush.