This holds up surprisingly well. Sure, I don't think it's the masterpiece I made it out to be when I was a 16 year old Harmony Korine superfan, but there's still something here that works. Some of it actually feels surprisingly calculated and composed where before I had just seen the film as some otherworldly artifact composed of spontaneous moments. It's silly to say it's weirdly heartbreaking, but there's definitely a poignant element in Herzog's images, and the film's beautiful soundtrack seems to both be aware of this and underscore that tone perfectly. I'll admit I'm still probably bias because this was once a revelatory experience to me. If nothing else, it's a nice encapsulation of what made me interested in cinema in the first place.

"I mean, yeah, getting tossed by Klaus Kinski wasn't the high point of my career, but I found out later I got off easy by Herzog standards. I heard about this one dude back in '70..." - a monkey

What can I say? I get the whole - futility of revolution - political allegory which has been read into the midget's revolt. I also appreciate Herzog's intention that the film show us a nightmarish world of exaggerated consumerism: whereby we're literally 'dwarfed' by our own excess.

However, all this cerebral subtext aside I found the film to be interminably dull. Moreover, the scenes of animal cruelty (fictitious or otherwise) just made me want it all to end.

The Count's Verdict: I will never watch this film again.

I'm sure there's probably something more to this, but all I saw was dwarfs riding motorbikes and laughing at camels.

still don't know what to make of it. it is one of those films that require a second watching. i'm fond of little people. and of chaos. this has it all. but, i'll see it again in hopes of rating it better, and forming a more quality opinion of it. herzog, i still want you to marry me, no matter what! and please don't torture monkeys anymore.

This holds up surprisingly well. Sure, I don't think it's the masterpiece I made it out to be when I was a 16 year old Harmony Korine superfan, but there's still something here that works. Some of it actually feels surprisingly calculated and composed where before I had just seen the film as some otherworldly artifact composed of spontaneous moments. It's silly to say it's weirdly heartbreaking, but there's definitely a poignant element in Herzog's images, and the film's beautiful soundtrack seems to both be aware of this and underscore that tone perfectly. I'll admit I'm still probably bias because this was once a revelatory experience to me. If nothing else, it's a nice encapsulation of what made me interested in cinema in the first place.

The more time goes on the more I like this. Political subtext aside, this was a fantastic film that is completely it's own owing nothing to anything else.

welp

Hypnotic. So bizarre and surreal, and Herzog's incredible ability to create whole new unique worlds is at its best here. Highly rewatchable.

(Quickie Review)

This fascinating and bizarre 1970 feature by daring filmmaker Werner Herzog, features an entire cast of German dwarfs running havoc and rioting in an institution. There are some amazing images captured here, things you have to see to believe. The making of the movie seems just as peculiar, and insane. After a few injuries to his actors, Herzog promised that he would let them film him jumping into a catus patch if they continued to participate in his film. Never one to shy from anything, Herzog fulfilled that promise, enthusiastically diving in head first.

-djg

It's ugly, annoying, uncomfortable, confusing, and of course, freak. I couldn't comprehend its freakishness. Werner, were you on meth or something? Never mind, you did a good job, though.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

There's a character in this film who just laughs and mutters whatever people say around him. He's quite possibly one of the funniest characters captured on film. Sure, this film is clearly some political commentary on the overwhelming futility of revolutions, but I mostly enjoyed it because these midgets were so damn funny. Their laughter is infectious. Their pranks and gags amused me and warmed this heart of mine.