The film “60 Minutes” by German Oliver Kienle presents a unique approach to the constant battle against time. This theme, which has been explored many times in the cinema, takes on new contours in the hands of Kienle, who avoids the repetition of hackneyed formulas and offers a creative narrative. Reminiscent of classics such as Escape from New York and Back to the Future, the work stands out for avoiding the trap of simply imitating those successes and bringing freshness to the genre.
The plot centers on Octavio Bergmann, played by Emilio Sakraya, an aspiring MMA fighter who is facing a pivotal moment in his career and personal life. As he prepares for an important fight that could financially save the gym where he trains, Bergmann is torn between his professional responsibilities and the promise he made to his daughter Leonie to be present at her birthday party .
The film cleverly combines the growing tension surrounding the MMA event with Bergmann's urgency to fulfill his promise to his daughter. This conflict is exacerbated by the pressure from his exwife Mina, played by Livia Matthes, and the demands of sponsors and investors. The narrative deepens by exploring the protagonist's dilemma as he struggles to balance his professional and personal commitments.
As the film progresses, Bergmann faces increasingly complex challenges. He overcomes a series of obstacles, including intense action scenes and confrontations with opponents who were once allies. Kienle and cowriter Philip Koch manage to keep the narrative engaging and dynamic, deftly balancing action scenes with more intimate and personal moments.
“60 Minutes” stands out for its ability to present an action story with emotional depth, with a main character whose decisions and dilemmas resonate with audiences. Kienle's direction is confident and imaginative, avoiding clichés and offering a refreshing look at a familiar topic. Sakraya's performance, reminiscent of the greats of the action genre, adds multiple layers to the work and contributes to an emotional and unforgettable ending.
Movie: 60 minutes
Direction: Oliver Kienle
Year: 2024
Gender: Action/Adventure/Drama
Note: 9/10