As big of a fan as I am of the zombie sub-genre, even I have to admit that its starting to grow a tad tiresome. Romero’s latest piece of shit didn’t help matters either.
Still, when one is done well and looks exciting, I take notice. Thanks to the cool cats over at QuietEarth, my spirits were lifted a little after checking out this latest trailer out of Germany for a film entitled Rammbock. According to German Wiki, a rammbock is like a giant battering ram, but I think the literal translation is “[Rec] meets 28 Days Later.”
Their synopsis is as follows:
Just when Michael arrives in Berlin to visit his ex-girlfriend Gabi, a terrible virus starts spreading across the city at a rapid pace, turning people into mindless homicidal maniacs. Much to Michael’s concern, Gabi’s not home; instead, he meets Harper, a teenage plumber’s apprentice at work in her apartment block. Together, they manage to barricade themselves when raging hordes of infected people swarm the building. Surrounded by these thirsty zombies, Michael and Harper have their hands full to survive – and it will take all of their ingenuity to make their way out to try and find Gabi.
I think you’re right to take notice. Caught this at Fantastic Fest and it was a heck of a lot of fun. Definitely worth checking out:
http://seattlefilmfest.blogspot.com/2010/09/rammbock-germany.html
Totally agree with Rich. I just threw up a review here on Row Three for it.
http://www.rowthree.com/2011/05/18/review-rammbock-berlin-undead/
This film is like a whole lot of mini music clips put together, without the music per se. Visually very tasty. Not as much gore as I’d normally expect of a zombie flick, but I like the romantic/human strain that runs throughout. The main character holds his own and gives the film a bit of depth. Haven’t seen a German zombie film before so this film makes me think that maybe the zombie genre is one that crosses all international lines. Has Germany made any zombie films prior to this one? Not sure.
Mmmm…the English translation of this film title is somewhat scary…’pile driver’? Its respective connotations are well…potentially disturbing.
Nevertheless, the film is worth watching, in my opinion.
John Allison, just read your review after posting. Light, but to the point. A tidy, objective summation!
I noted your words ‘As far as I know Rammbock is Germany’s first zombie movie to reach a wider audience’. Does this mean that Germany has produced zombie movies before, because I can’t find any. Or does it mean they’ve made zombie films but international audiences haven’t seen them? Interested to find out.
‘IRONSKY’ now here’s a German zombie film on the horizon! Set to be released April 4, 2012 and looking very cool. Okay, so there’s some Finnish and Australian collaboration but what the heck…it’s still looking like some kick arse German based zombie film. Love the tag in the trailer ‘we come in peace’.
Here’s a link for anyone interested.
http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2011/05/12/he-Moon-Nazi-Film-IRON-SKY-sets-release-date-and-new-trailer
What about ‘Outpost’ (2007)? German zombie film or not? I like a good romp with the dead but not sure if this one fits into the strictly ‘German Zombie’ film genre. Made in UK but about German nazi zombies….mmmmm…probably just a UK film then. Anyone? Thoughts?
Long live the dead!