Colonel Redl

1985·Movie
2h 32min
IMDb7.4Rotten Tomatoes–84%

Where to watch

PrimeKanopyMetrographKino Film Collection

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Colonel Redl fingerprint

Immersive world, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Adrenaline3
  • Fast Pace3

Heart

Melancholic and moving

  • Melancholy8
  • Pathos7
  • Nostalgia5

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Cringe Humor2
  • Satire & Parody2

World

History, politics, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Ambiguity7

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and characters

  • Direction9
  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacing

Find more like it

Suspense moviesPsychological moviesMelancholic moviesAtmospheric movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Set during the fading glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the film tells of the rise and fall of Alfred Redl, an ambitious young officer who proceeds up the ladder to become head of the Secret Police only to become ensnared in political deception.
Historical DramaPolitical IntriguePsychological Character StudyAustro-Hungarian EmpireAmbition & DownfallSocial CommentaryBleak & MelancholyMasterful DirectionSlow Burn Thriller

Crew

Directed by:
István Szabó, Mara Luttor
Written by:
John Osborne, Péter Dobai
Produced by:
Manfred Durniok
Composed by:
Zdenkó Tamássy

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Colonel Redl

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Colonel Redl legally?

PrimeKanopyMetrographKino Film Collection

Colonel Redl is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Metrograph, and Kino Film Collection in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Colonel Redl worth watching?

75
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Colonel Redl rated?

Nudity

Content advisories: nudity.

How long is Colonel Redl?

2 h 32 min

Colonel Redl runs 2 h 32 min.

Is Colonel Redl based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is Colonel Redl in?

German

It was made in German. Produced in Austria, Germany, Hungary.

In how many countries can I watch Colonel Redl?

5BRCAESFRUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Colonel Redl in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Colonel Redl use?

Historical Hero UpgradeA Minor KidroductionVery Loosely Based on a True StoryHoney PotHigh-Class Call GirlGayngst-Induced SuicideIn Name OnlyLet the Past BurnSnow Means LoveDuel to the DeathInvisible PresidentDriven to Suicideand 8 more

TV Tropes lists 20 storytelling tropes for Colonel Redl, including Historical Hero Upgrade, A Minor Kidroduction, Very Loosely Based on a True Story.

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