This somber film isn't very expansive with about 15 characters in total and the entire film takes place in the pilot's cockpit. But where this film becomes robust is through intensity from a terrifying scenario. What I enjoyed about the 🎞 is it didn't try and create any false narratives or stupid ideas that most movies insert into scripts for cheesy entertainment value. No the lead character although under immense pressure followed suit with what most people put in that situation would do. Yes I would reccomend this movie it's not a bang bang thriller to fly through on a Sunday afternoon what have you but it's definitely a late-night dramatic flick that moves the needle provoking solemn reflection by it's end.
582 Reviews
I don't understand the poor reviews
nezbitkn211 June 2020
Such a horribly gripping film that pictures what a minority have potentially been through. Superb acting throughout and leaves a tingle down your spine. Due to the pre ratings I expected nothing really and so was pleasantly surprised. JGL is becoming an actor well ahead of his times and quite rightly so. Well done sir.
Not your typical "action" movie.
adam6788 April 2022
I was surprised to see this movie only has a 6.3 rating. I think audiences are too used to the same clichéd story structure we see in pretty much all action movies; the villain causes mayhem, the protagonist underdog steps-up, and against all odds defeats the evil, saves the day, is reunited with their love interest, and walks off a hero... roll credits. This movie challenges that cliché, and it does it in a brutal fashion. It's much more of a psychological-action movie than a classic action movie. There are no epic fight scenes, courageous last second acts of heroism or sudden unexpected plot twists. It's completely raw, "how would a post 9/11 airplane hijacking scenario unfold in real life conditions?". And that's exactly what you get, with almost no sugar-coating. That's not to say that the movie doesn't conform to some clichés, but the brutal and harrowing reality it portrays is akin to a movie based on real events, yet this is completely fictional. To say the ending is abrupt is an understatement, I certainly had a "wait, what?" moment. But in hindsight, it's actually very fitting with the narrative of the movie. There's definitely a huge psychological element that will leave you feeling very uneasy and claustrophobic, but I personally praise it for its raw and unforgiving depiction of how a real-life hijacking could potentially play out.
7.5/10.
7.5/10.
Boring hell no! Intense hell yeh!
countys325 June 2020
I'm reviewing this film based on what I believe the filmmakers wanted to achieve by making it, a gritty claustrophobic real-life account of the brutal hijacking of a commercial airline. And that is exactly what I saw, this is not a Hollywood film nor does it have a big budget but that's exactly why it works. One has to look at this film for what it is and not what you may be expecting it to be. If you look at this film solely from the point of view of the co-piolet which is what the film is about then you'll understand that it's not trying to tell a political story or give you insight to why people hijack planes.
The runtime is 90 minutes and I was never bored during this entire time. I felt every emotion the protagonist felt and I was totally involved in his plight. No film is perfect and this film is no exception but it made a favourable impression on me that I felt the need to leave a review.
This is a little gem of a film and definitely worth 90 minutes of your life if you like these small gritty intense sorts of films.
Most of the negative reviews are based on opinions that have nothing to do with storytelling. I would bet that nearly all of the negative reviews came from people who didn't actually watch the film.
A Hidden Gem
DarkRicochet11730 December 2020
I had a good time with this film. The story and the characters were immersive, the editing and the pace were spot on, but the lack of a soundtrack and the cinematography were negatives for me. It almost has an indie-film quality going on. The style(or lack thereof) may put off your typical moviegoer but looking past those oddities reveals a hidden gem of a movie.
This film has so many biased reviews
Dar Star28 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't seen a movie with so many biased reviews which had nothing to do with the film itself. I guess the subject matter is polarizing. Half the bad reviews are mad that the hijackers are Muslim and the other half are mad that they didn't portray them even worse. The film itself is well done but not perfect. It's true that it starts off very strongly and is solid in the middle but really slows down too much at the end. JGL is terrific as always, but he's not given enough to work with in my opinion. The film does have some issues that are hard to reconcile. Number one being the lack of desperation for JGLs character to make sure the mother of his child makes it. I found that glaringly missing. The whole ending with the young hijacker was designed to humanize the villains, but honestly it didn't work. An action ending actually would've been better. Still a very accurate and solid effort. I also loved the claustrophobic feel of shooting the whole film in the cockpit. Recommended viewing.
High Jacking
kosmasp24 March 2020
Like really high ... as in in the air high. Jokes aside, the movie is more than serious and really tries to portray happenings as close to reality as they can get. The acting is great and while some things are heightened for effect, you can see things going down the way they did.
This is not easy to watch (it is not meant to be), but if you are into thrillers taken from real life and drama unfolding in front of your eyes, this is a movie to remember and watch of course. There might be decisions being made that you would not have taken, but don't forget we are talking about humans and everyone is wired differently. Also we are meant to feel strange and not entirely sure about some of the people involved. Humans are complex - even the evil ones
This is not easy to watch (it is not meant to be), but if you are into thrillers taken from real life and drama unfolding in front of your eyes, this is a movie to remember and watch of course. There might be decisions being made that you would not have taken, but don't forget we are talking about humans and everyone is wired differently. Also we are meant to feel strange and not entirely sure about some of the people involved. Humans are complex - even the evil ones
As a pilot I was overwhelmed by the realism, excitement and acting.
tijgert14 July 2020
I don't like aviation movies, they never get more than two things in a row right.
This movie hits home somewhat as I'm a pilot (though on a Boeing) and as such it could happen to me, so I was curious as to how bad another aviation movie on this topic could be.
This movie... I was stunned and amazed, I had a genuinely elevated heart rate all throughout watching it. You really feel the lack of movement and placement scripting in the absolute freedom and improvisation of the filming, it is so inconceivably unpredictable and realistic. All the procedures and actions are technically correct too, which can feel superfluous for the people that don't know and care, but is a level of authenticity in movies that I've never seen.
I am advising all my colleagues to see this.
This movie... I was stunned and amazed, I had a genuinely elevated heart rate all throughout watching it. You really feel the lack of movement and placement scripting in the absolute freedom and improvisation of the filming, it is so inconceivably unpredictable and realistic. All the procedures and actions are technically correct too, which can feel superfluous for the people that don't know and care, but is a level of authenticity in movies that I've never seen.
I am advising all my colleagues to see this.
7500
marmar-6978011 August 2020
7500 was a solid directorial debut and good return to acting from Joseph Gordon Lewitt,he did a good job here and he showed that even after some years of vacation he still has that magic touch in him,direction and story progress were also solid but nothing spectacular,mostly because cause we saw the same theme being shown in a better film,the most famous one being United 93 but still this was a film that can be watched and that in end you dont hate yourself for spending your time on it,other actors were solid and they sold some good tension and drama moments,7500 was a solid film,nothing special or awesome but it can be watched if you are interested in subject
Screenwriter/Director Vollrath Scores in 1st Film
Instant_Palmer8 July 2020
"7500" develops anticipation and builds tension from the opening frames, simulating authentic security camera footage of terrorists getting through airport security, and onto a German airline passenger jet headed to Paris. Once aboard the plane, Vollrath uses a real-time linear scene structure (similar to Mendes' "1917") from the viewpoint of the cockpit and the American co-pilot played with understated perfection by Gorden-Levitt. The film takes hold of the viewer and doesn't let go - the entire film plays like a reenactment of actual events (this is fictional). A fantastic 1st film effort by German Screenwriter/Director Patrick Vollrath.
would you open the door?
ferguson-617 June 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. The first airplane hijacking movie I remember seeing was AIRPORT (1970, with Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin). Since then, it's been a recurring, relatively common cinematic topic blending our natural fears (flying and terrorism) with our love and admiration of heroic people, as seen in such films as EXECUTIVE DECISION (1996) and AIR FORCE ONE (1997). Writer-Director Patrick Vollrath (first feature length film, Oscar nominated for his excellent 2015 Live Action Short EVERYTHING WILL BE OK/ Alles Wird Gut) and co-w Sanad Halibasic use some of the familiar tropes we've come to expect, but do so with a unique twist ... the camera never leaves the cockpit (at least until the very end).
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Tobias Ellis, the co-pilot to Captain Michael Lutzman (Carlo Kitzlinger) on this scheduled short flight from Berlin to Paris. Tobias is an American based in Berlin, living with his Turkish girlfriend Gokce (Aylin Tezel) and their young son. Gokce is also a flight attendant on the flight, and the two have attempted to keep their relationship a secret from their co-workers and employer.
The film opens with a quote usually attributed to Gandhi, "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." We then get a couple minutes of Berlin Airport security footage as passengers and their carry-ons proceed through security lines. We hear no dialogue or sound. The first actual scene puts us inside the cockpit as the flight crew arrives.
Not long after a smooth takeoff, the terrorists rush the cockpit when the flight attendant is delivering water to the pilots. A fight ensues resulting in injuries, including to both pilots. The crisis quickly escalates as Tobias has to take over flying the plane, while dealing with the pressure of a life-altering dilemma: does he follow protocol and keep the door shut, or does he hopefully save passenger lives by opening the door? The tension mounts as Tobias (and us) views the actions of the terrorist through the small cockpit monitor.
The film's title is derived from the pilot's Squawk code of 7500, which notifies the Air Traffic Controller of a hijacking-in-progress. As we learn, these aren't the usual hijackers. These are extremists who are "avenging the deaths of Muslims." These terrorists prove they aren't afraid to kill, and proclaim they are "not afraid to die." Well, all except one of them. Nineteen year old Vedat (Omid Memar) is the terrorists' translator, and he's left frantically trying to make the best of a bad situation, despite no real plan. His clouded-thinking exacerbates the situation as he tries to deal with the police negotiator.
What gives the film appeal is the 'camera in the cockpit' trick and the tension of the moment. The space is cramped and claustrophobic. Showing the crew going through the pre-flight checks allows us to get our bearings in an unfamiliar setting. To this non-pilot, the sequence delivers a very authentic look and feel. Spending the entire time in a confined space recalls such films as BURIED (2010), LOCKE (2013), and Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944). Joseph Gordon-Levitt carries most of the film with his performance, as he's rarely off camera. His temperament during chaos is fun to watch, but the final act is just a bit overwrought, and some of the good from the first two acts unravels a bit. Still, the close-quarters of a cockpit makes a unique viewing experience, and one that has us asking how we would react in this situation.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Tobias Ellis, the co-pilot to Captain Michael Lutzman (Carlo Kitzlinger) on this scheduled short flight from Berlin to Paris. Tobias is an American based in Berlin, living with his Turkish girlfriend Gokce (Aylin Tezel) and their young son. Gokce is also a flight attendant on the flight, and the two have attempted to keep their relationship a secret from their co-workers and employer.
The film opens with a quote usually attributed to Gandhi, "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." We then get a couple minutes of Berlin Airport security footage as passengers and their carry-ons proceed through security lines. We hear no dialogue or sound. The first actual scene puts us inside the cockpit as the flight crew arrives.
Not long after a smooth takeoff, the terrorists rush the cockpit when the flight attendant is delivering water to the pilots. A fight ensues resulting in injuries, including to both pilots. The crisis quickly escalates as Tobias has to take over flying the plane, while dealing with the pressure of a life-altering dilemma: does he follow protocol and keep the door shut, or does he hopefully save passenger lives by opening the door? The tension mounts as Tobias (and us) views the actions of the terrorist through the small cockpit monitor.
The film's title is derived from the pilot's Squawk code of 7500, which notifies the Air Traffic Controller of a hijacking-in-progress. As we learn, these aren't the usual hijackers. These are extremists who are "avenging the deaths of Muslims." These terrorists prove they aren't afraid to kill, and proclaim they are "not afraid to die." Well, all except one of them. Nineteen year old Vedat (Omid Memar) is the terrorists' translator, and he's left frantically trying to make the best of a bad situation, despite no real plan. His clouded-thinking exacerbates the situation as he tries to deal with the police negotiator.
What gives the film appeal is the 'camera in the cockpit' trick and the tension of the moment. The space is cramped and claustrophobic. Showing the crew going through the pre-flight checks allows us to get our bearings in an unfamiliar setting. To this non-pilot, the sequence delivers a very authentic look and feel. Spending the entire time in a confined space recalls such films as BURIED (2010), LOCKE (2013), and Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT (1944). Joseph Gordon-Levitt carries most of the film with his performance, as he's rarely off camera. His temperament during chaos is fun to watch, but the final act is just a bit overwrought, and some of the good from the first two acts unravels a bit. Still, the close-quarters of a cockpit makes a unique viewing experience, and one that has us asking how we would react in this situation.
An Ok Film For Me.
Harry_Gleeson15 August 2020
Pros:
The main positive of the film for me was JGL performance. He was essentially the reason I decided to watch the film and I thought he gave a good performance
The halfway point was the best section of the film for me, tense and fast paced which kept me intrigued
Omid Memar deserves credit for his performance too. An unknown actor to the public and he did himself proud alongside JGL
Cons:
The final act of the film (the last 40-30 minutes) was poor for me. Very slow and I felt I was wanting the film to finish
The film overall was nothing special in my opinion. I appreciated the effort (as I do in every film) but it didn't wow me at any point
Apart from JGL's character, I never felt emotionally attached to any of the other characters, which I was expecting too.
I definitely felt the film could've been shorter really
Parts of the film were predictable
Overall, '7500' was an ok film. The performance for JGL was the standout for me. I wouldn't say he gave a spectacular performance, but he carried the film for me and was involved in the film's best scenes. However, like I mentioned, towards the climax the film was far too slow, I thought parts of the film became too predictable therefore I wasn't as invested, emotionally, into the narrative. I wouldn't highly recommended watching this, but it was just ok for me.
Quote - "You're in Control" - Tobias Ellis
Score - 2/5
The main positive of the film for me was JGL performance. He was essentially the reason I decided to watch the film and I thought he gave a good performance
The halfway point was the best section of the film for me, tense and fast paced which kept me intrigued
Omid Memar deserves credit for his performance too. An unknown actor to the public and he did himself proud alongside JGL
Cons:
The final act of the film (the last 40-30 minutes) was poor for me. Very slow and I felt I was wanting the film to finish
The film overall was nothing special in my opinion. I appreciated the effort (as I do in every film) but it didn't wow me at any point
Apart from JGL's character, I never felt emotionally attached to any of the other characters, which I was expecting too.
I definitely felt the film could've been shorter really
Parts of the film were predictable
Overall, '7500' was an ok film. The performance for JGL was the standout for me. I wouldn't say he gave a spectacular performance, but he carried the film for me and was involved in the film's best scenes. However, like I mentioned, towards the climax the film was far too slow, I thought parts of the film became too predictable therefore I wasn't as invested, emotionally, into the narrative. I wouldn't highly recommended watching this, but it was just ok for me.
Quote - "You're in Control" - Tobias Ellis
Score - 2/5
Expert thriller, very tight cabin space.
JohnDeSando20 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Hijacking before 9/11 and hijacking after 9/11 mean two very different things." Condoleezza Rice
Anyone aware of the possible mishaps of air travel knows from 9/11 that hijacking is about the worst possible scenario. New director and co-writer Senad Halilbasic have crafted 7500, which depicts in painful realism the overtaking of a German shuttle between Berlin and Paris. With 85 passengers, the plane has a heavy human load.
The safety checks for takeoff by young first officer, Tobias (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), are mundane but nonetheless ominous because we know what the film is about. Adding to the forthcoming anguish, a flight attendant, Gokce (Aylin Tezel), is Tobias's fiancé, with whom he shares a child. It's not difficult to guess the role she will play in the vicious negotiations to open the cockpit door.
In a lack of creative casting, the Islamic terrorists are mostly Arab with the vague notion of using the flight as retribution for Western sins. Much more imaginative is Vollrath setting the majority of the action in the cockpit, creating a claustrophobic dread as if we were witnessing the opening of a casket.
The camera is almost always on Tobias as he flies the plane (the captain is dead) and struggles physically and mentally with the terrorists. Levitt is dexterous and sympathetic as a character given the moral choices inherent in losing lives to save lives. Also, he must stop the terrorists and save the plane. Because they want to crash into a populous area, Tobias has even more heavy lifting.
Although the action is limited to the cockpit, it's a thriller that relies on the built-in tensions of flight after 9/11. No minute is dull because humanity's safety is at stake. Just don't show this thriller to someone who has never flown, or better, has no notion about the evil men do.
While streaming this tense thriller from the comfort of your home, be aware that when you fly, all comfort, physical and psychological, may not arrive with your baggage.
Anyone aware of the possible mishaps of air travel knows from 9/11 that hijacking is about the worst possible scenario. New director and co-writer Senad Halilbasic have crafted 7500, which depicts in painful realism the overtaking of a German shuttle between Berlin and Paris. With 85 passengers, the plane has a heavy human load.
The safety checks for takeoff by young first officer, Tobias (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), are mundane but nonetheless ominous because we know what the film is about. Adding to the forthcoming anguish, a flight attendant, Gokce (Aylin Tezel), is Tobias's fiancé, with whom he shares a child. It's not difficult to guess the role she will play in the vicious negotiations to open the cockpit door.
In a lack of creative casting, the Islamic terrorists are mostly Arab with the vague notion of using the flight as retribution for Western sins. Much more imaginative is Vollrath setting the majority of the action in the cockpit, creating a claustrophobic dread as if we were witnessing the opening of a casket.
The camera is almost always on Tobias as he flies the plane (the captain is dead) and struggles physically and mentally with the terrorists. Levitt is dexterous and sympathetic as a character given the moral choices inherent in losing lives to save lives. Also, he must stop the terrorists and save the plane. Because they want to crash into a populous area, Tobias has even more heavy lifting.
Although the action is limited to the cockpit, it's a thriller that relies on the built-in tensions of flight after 9/11. No minute is dull because humanity's safety is at stake. Just don't show this thriller to someone who has never flown, or better, has no notion about the evil men do.
While streaming this tense thriller from the comfort of your home, be aware that when you fly, all comfort, physical and psychological, may not arrive with your baggage.
Bizarre in parts.
ricky_dry_county23 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It deserved more except for the piss poor second half that has the viewer go through about 25 repetitive minutes (& 100+ separate shots) of the teenaged hijacker in dilemma/distress. The build up is phenomenal, till Gordon Lewitt's fiance (& mother of his child) is taken hostage. We are treated to something inexplicable next, and it's too much to digest. Far too many wtf scenes in this one, which will have have you laugh and cringe and throw your arms about. The final screams of 'doctor" (for the terrorist) by JGL is absolutely hilarious considering his lady lies lifeless not even 2 feet away with her throat slashed. Very poor mood interpretation/projections although it features surprisingly great pacing if you look past the glaring oddities. A confusing film!
Very well done.
pdbodyshop8 July 2020
Not Bad, Actually.
redrobin62-321-20731123 June 2020
During the viewing, I did find myself yelling to both lead characters to "Man Up and Deal With Their Consequences!" Of course, I've never been through the ordeal they have, so it's just speculation on my part. I thought Joseph Gordon Levitt was fine but the young terrorist guy had NO expression except "I'm actually in a movie?" The real-time idea was a nice touch; I wasn't expecting that in today's element of film making. Still, I recommend it in relation to how a story can be told in real time.
Very accurate thriller
spewy291671 June 2020
This is a real anti-hollywood movie. A gritty movie that is thrilling and suspensful without the glitz and shine, the need to embelish real life and have super happy endings. Just solid performances and what could actually happen. They clearly had pilots, pschologists and police advise them. There may be holes, but they were inaccurancies above my level of knowledge. Had me enthalled, better than its reviews, but not for everyone, if you like your movies realistic and/or like planes this one is for you.
Realistic and gripping terrorist thriller that plays on normal fears - all set entirely inside a cockpit
vampire_hounddog1 August 2020
The pilots of a passenger aircraft prepares for take-off on a short haul flight between Berlin and Paris. Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the American co-pilot working for the German airline and his wife (Aylin Tezel) is a member of the cabin crew. Shortly after take-off four Islamic terrorists attempt to attack the cockpit. One gains entry, but is not knocked unconscious, while the pilot (Carlo Kitzlinger) is mortally injured. Tobias maintains control as the terrorists try to gain entry and control of the aircraft and threaten to kill passengers and crew.
Filmed entirely within the cockpit of the aircraft, the film is gripping from beginning until the end with Gordon-Levitt providing an outstanding performance in the lead. The tension is maintained throughout and is a perfect example of how drama can be sustained in a confined space. This is a German-Austrian-US production that deserves greater recognition.
Filmed entirely within the cockpit of the aircraft, the film is gripping from beginning until the end with Gordon-Levitt providing an outstanding performance in the lead. The tension is maintained throughout and is a perfect example of how drama can be sustained in a confined space. This is a German-Austrian-US production that deserves greater recognition.
Frustrating
phambus6 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The 1st half of the film is pretty realistic and believable, 2nd half not so much. The terrorists kill your captain, then the mother of your child, and you obtain their glass weapon which you have the whole time in the cockpit, yet you obey all their commands because you have an injured arm and the 18 year old terrorist has the same glass knife? He is distracted on numerous occasions, while you sit there with the same weapon and yet you want to save the guy at the end? Also terrible that over 80+ people on the plane sat there to let all this happen while their fellow passengers are slaughtered one by one. Please don't cut me with your glass knife!
Highly realistic and extremely well executed
harrier-7124314 June 2020
This movie gives an amazingly realistic look at the interplay that exist in actual hijacking scenarios. It is slower in pace and grittier in appearance and direction than what many expect from a Hollywood movie of this type and could be seen as more of a fictional "documentary" which I expect is the reason for the shockingly low reviews seen. However in my opinion the acting and direction of this movie make it one of the best in its genre and well worth watching.
Great experience, sogging story
kingmasada22 June 2020
Tight and gripping. Dips 3/4th in. Very human and a great attempt at creating something very real. The atmosphere is very dense in the sense that there's only the sound of the engines on the background and the set is only lit by the interior lights and any kind of moonlight/city lights. It's bleak and serene and I found the attemps to keep it as simple as possible commendable. If it wasn't for Joseph Gordon-Levitt's excellent perfomance (and some great sound design), it would not come in as strongly as it does. In my opinion, it's one of those little gems of cinema that try something else, succeed, but will never have a big audience. For me, it could have done with less chaotic camera movements, less cuts, longer takes to really drive home the situation.
Good start but quickly dives into eye-rolling nonsense
jwkc219 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Seriously:
1) Pull 3G, flip the plane, rock it 'til they throw up from vertigo, movie's over
2) Hog tie someone properly or kill him - whatever
3) Stop bleating at the terrorists, for heaven's sake
4) Ground, don't you care how many souls (not passengers) are on board?
5) Ground, 2-7-right, not R
6) Ground, why are you obsessing about the damn runway in the middle of a hijacking nowhere near landing?
7) Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can shoot down the plane once it's dive bombing an urban area. The fighter jets aren't there for decoration.
8) Yes, you have tactical advantage when he's urinating.
9) No, you don't care about him just because he gets a phone call from Mum.
10) Sniper, is there any good reason for taking so long to take the shot? You weren't lining it up before he started waving the knife around?
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
1) Pull 3G, flip the plane, rock it 'til they throw up from vertigo, movie's over
2) Hog tie someone properly or kill him - whatever
3) Stop bleating at the terrorists, for heaven's sake
4) Ground, don't you care how many souls (not passengers) are on board?
5) Ground, 2-7-right, not R
6) Ground, why are you obsessing about the damn runway in the middle of a hijacking nowhere near landing?
7) Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can shoot down the plane once it's dive bombing an urban area. The fighter jets aren't there for decoration.
8) Yes, you have tactical advantage when he's urinating.
9) No, you don't care about him just because he gets a phone call from Mum.
10) Sniper, is there any good reason for taking so long to take the shot? You weren't lining it up before he started waving the knife around?
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
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