Bandits (1997)

Four tough women in a German penitentiary join forces to form a rock band. When administrators take them to perform at a policeman's ball, the prisoners escape, kidnapping a convenient boy-toy hostage (Werner Schreyer), along the way. Their band, Bandits, becomes a national sensation as the women continue to evade the police. The movie is a wild ride, with quite a respectable score of rock songs--some catchy, some haunting--composed and performed by Bandits members themselves. All are sung in English (which seems to be the universal language of rock & roll). But although the picture is a lot of fun, it's no Spice World; there's a harder edge, a deeper agenda here. These women were all prisoners for a reason. Each fugitive's story is gradually revealed as the plot progresses. Luna (sultry Jasmin Tabatabai), the lead singer and guitarist, is a loose canon with a real attitude problem. And she likes to rob banks. Emma (Katja Riemann), the brains of the group, had a successful jazz career in America before her abusive boyfriend drove her over the edge. Marie (Jutta Hoffmann), the band's middle-aged keyboard player, is suicidal: something to do with her involvement in her husband's death. Angel (lovely Nicolette Krebitz), is the team's weak link; she can't be trusted. As the Bandits pull off each increasingly improbable narrow escape, the film takes on the radiance of myth, ascending ultimately to an apocalyptic finale. --Laura Mirsky Amazon.com

Girl Bandits on the run

I first saw this film late at night on showtime, and thought noa another subtilted flick, but after about 15 min. I feel into it. It grabed me like a lonly cell mate. I enjoyed this flick with gusto. It has such a great visual and eye catching sceans. The end blew me away even tho I wished for another ending , but it fit it perfect. The girls looked even like they were on the run, they were not babes but, but chicks that I would sure run with and want to be around , yea I would do them all, they would probley all whip my butt, and I would like it. This is a good film, I checked with some movie places to get me this flick, and found it cheaper on Amazon. Can't wait to get it . December 15, 2007

Wonderful movie

I watched it three times, and the music fit with the movie perfectly. I like the way they shoot the scence too. Feel like fall in love with those german women after watching it ;-)
June 26, 2006

An awesome, feel-good, empowering, must see film

So I bought this album at the local video store, for the simple fact that it looked like it would be good. It was, in fact, right up my alley, a "bandit" movie, somewhat of a buddy roadtrip flick, and a defying society film. Reminded me of something like "Thelma & Louise' when I read the back.

However, once I got home and put in the DVD I realized that this was an all german movie. At first I was disappointed but watched anyways, as I usually don't mind subtitled movies. Well this movie blew me away. You really get attached to these ladies and want to know what drives them and made them the way they are. The music as well in this film is great. In the special features on the DVD there are two music videos or "Catch Me" and 'Puppet". They are VERY representative of the movie and damn good songs.

I would recommend this movie to anyone. It was definitely a great find! January 31, 2005

Absolutely a MUST SEE!

I am amazed that I found this movie and am able to purchase it here in the states. I had seen this movie while i was studying in germany and as soon as it ended i realized i had no idea what the title was or who was in it. but i knew i had to find it somehow. im not going to summarize the movie here, but its simply fantastic if you love movies which leave you captivated throughout and speachless at the end. Definately a must see film!!! October 7, 2004

this band of bandits will rock your world

this is your film if you love hip german flicks like "run lola run", rockin' musicals, or chick flicks as a general rule of thumb. here is one film which is as well-acted & well-written as it is choreographed. i can't imagine anyone in their right mind who wouldn't be entertained by this film & i sincerely pray no idiot american will try to remake bandits. so as not to bore you with a lengthy review of why i love this film, just go out & pick up a copy at your local blockbuster while you still can. i mean, while it's still in print. i will give you a few tidbits as to why you should want to see it though. every song is 100%addictive & you will probably find yourself tapping your foot, snapping fingers, or perhaps singing along with these talented german chicks. unlike some prison chick flicks, this one is neither excessive in the sex or violence department so there isn't a great deal of objectionable material. yes, you could probably pop it in with mom & dad or while teens are doing homework in the living room. lastly, there is never a dull moment in the entire film. each scene is as mesmerizing & exciting as the one before so you are constantly immersed in the grand scheme of things & you will care about each of the women. if nothing else, you will find bandits to be great eye candy just like the sleeper german film "run lola run" with the incredible photography. i bought this film in a used vhs bin & have watched it by myself many times & with friends. February 5, 2004

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