1 out of 10 for taking notes while the film crew watched The Third Man during pre-production (although they forgot to take down notes on characterization, plot and conveying emotion) Seriously, do yourself a favor and rent the far, far superior The Third Man, and don't bother with this painfully anal homage.

I thought the entire cast was very good, especially Cate Blanchett. The problem was there were too many loose ends. I recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates excellent acting but don't expect too much from it.

Taking a break from his either commercially successful or critically acclaimed filmmaking, soderbergh does something only a filmmaker as successful, versatile, and talented is allowed to do: make something totally self-indulgent. It's pretty clear that everybody on this film had a great time making it. And as soon as you buy into the style, there's no reason you can't have a great time watching it. And by the way, Cate blanchett is a goddess.… Expand

Excellent movie. Not only technically refined, but also very complex intellectually and emotionally.

If you are fan of old B&W movies...it is a really wonderful film. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think that the critics failed to see what an interesting work it was.

A huge disappointment. It was in no way similar to the very good book -- a very poorly done movie -- convoluted and impossible to follow -- the characters shallow. A complete waste of time!

After reading the novel the film was nothing but a complete disappointment.

Lots of promise in this one: great cast, terrific director. But no rewards for this viewer - the script is terrible, tediously dragging everything along with it.

I caught this because a friend was invited to a preview, and I loved it--LOVED it! It's hypnotic, and I thought Cate Blanchett was amazing. The story gets slow towards the middle, but I thought that was the perfect time to study the film. As a film noir it's flawless, and it's just about the most beautifully shot film you'll ever see.

Excellent movie and technically brilliant. My American wife and me (German) think the movie should be more aptly named "The good American". Thats why all the American reviews seem to hate it. How dares Soderbergh to spoil the last US war which was to common understanding won morally and millitarily. Very honest plot like Platoon, life is not black and white, life comes in all shades of gray. You wake up after 50 years, wow the US can still make great movies. Actors were great, and yes they quoted from the very best of film noir but it was not copycat.… Expand

A plot that wants to be intriguing is terribly boring, bordering on trite. Maguire is absolutely miscast and his horrible performance nearly derails the nmovie before it gets started. Clooney basically stands there looking, but not acting, like an iconic period figure, confused. Only the great Cate is up to her cypher of a role. Of interest only to those who find vintage film stock and camera lenses interesting.… Expand

One of the most unbearably pretentious movies I have ever seen. Go rent the Third Man but don't see this movie, It's a complete hack job. Tobey Maguire is completely miscast and its painful to watch.

"The Good German" is among the more underrated films of 2006.