Lubitsch takes his revenge against Nazi Germany

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2008)

All that can be said about "To be or not to be" is that it was purely an aesthetic vehicle for Ernst Lubitsch to settle scores with Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Germany.Everyone knows well how many talented Jewish artists had to leave Germany when Adolf Hitler came to power. Lubitsch made Nazis bite the dust in a pacifist manner by showing them as ridiculous souls.Although the film is comic in nature there is no denial of its serious tone.There are various serious themes like World War II, relationship between a husband and a wife,behavior of actors,horrors of war which merit viewers' attention.It is true that this film suffers from a complete lack of "Lubitsch" touch but comic elements make for its absence.If you happen to be one of those viewers interested in theater especially Shakespeare and his famous plays, it would be tough for you to tolerate those people who walk out during performances based on this famous bard's plays.The hidden highlight of the film is arrogant behavior of certain actors who find it hard to believe that some people might not have heard of them. It is better to tell them that in life as in plays everything is possible.